New Bridgeport Fireboat (Bridgeport, Ct) 8/19/08

BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Fire Department recently took delivery of a new fireboat with the help of a grant from Homeland Security. The fireboat, which cost $300,000, is the first dedicated fireboat in the history of the Bridgeport Fire Department. The boat was manufactured by Metal Craft Marine, of Kingston Ontario, a leading manufacturer of fire boats. It has a 28’ LOA and 10’ Beam. It is powered by twin Mercury Verado outboard motors (250 HP each). It has a forward infrared camera, color radar, 2 VHF marine band radios, 1 VHF public safety radio, and a dive/rescue door. As far as firefighting capabilities, it has a 1250 GPM pump, two 2 ½” discharge outlets, 5” discharge for water supply of land based firefighting, patient bench inside cabin, and a man overboard system which directs the boat to signal of crew-mate over board. The tentative crew will be; 1 Coxswain (Ships Commander), 1 Boatswain (Ships Operator), and 2 Deck Hands.

These photos were taken at Captain's Cove Marina in the Blackrock section of the City.