Wilmington Fire Department to Dedicate and Christen Newest Fireboat

Posted on  09/17/2012 5:23 pm

Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker and Fire Chief Willie J. Patrick, Jr. invite the public to the dedication and christening ceremony of Wilmington’s newest fireboat, “The Firefighter.” The ceremony will be held on Wednesday September 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive between S. Market Street and French Street).

In May of 2011, the City of Wilmington contracted with MetalCraft Marine of Cape Vincent, New York to build a new multi-mission fireboat.  The Boat was constructed in Kingston, Ontario and was delivered to Wilmington on July 12, 2012.  For the past two months, the Fire Department has been training and outfitting the new vessel prior to placing it in service. 

Specifications:

L.O.A.:	70' 10"
B.O.A.:	22' 2"
Displacement:	105, 000 lbs.
Engines:	(4) IVECO C-13@825hp
Jets:	(4) Hamilton 364
Fire Pump:	(4) Hale 3000
Discharges:	5 monitors 12,500 GPM
Speed:	38 kts
Pump Performance:	12,500 GPM

Features:

• 6' 5" head room in galley birth area
• Exceeds ABS structure
• 300 g Fire Fighting Foam
• Water level recovery deck
• Two patient care berths
• Four berths forward
• Interior work benches
• Command center
•  Modular Electronic Control System ( MECS ) jet steering
• 5,000 gpm Stang roof monitor
• Twin 2,000 gpm bow monitors, twin 1,250 gpm aft deck monitors
• Quad 5" Storz for land supply
• Raymarine Electronics package: AIS, WiFi, thermal night vision, cameras for engine room,
  forward and aft deck
• Galley
• Head with sink
• Shower with stall
• Hydraulic crane
• Breathable air (with cascade system) and patient oxygen throughout
• Air conditioned throughout
• Life raft
• Bow thruster
• 360 degree visibility in pilot house
• Pushknee
• Lifting eyes

This new boat replaces the 35-year-old 65’ foot boat which was sold in June of 2012.

The $3.5 million fireboat was primarily funded  by a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Port Security Grant awarded to the Wilmington Fire Department.  Additional funding was provided by Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), Midstream Magellan Partners located in the Port of Wilmington, and the City of Wilmington.