THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 11, 1996 TAG: 9605110288
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 25 lines
City Fire Department volunteers have contracted a Massachusetts company to build a fire and rescue boat to be delivered later this summer.
Response Marine of Newport, Mass., has agreed to design a 30-foot-long, high-speed boat that will be powered by twin 225-horsepower outboard engines capable of speeds greater than 40 mph, according to a department spokeswoman.
The boat, scheduled to arrive in June or July, will be equipped with an enclosed forward cabin and pilot house and a built-in dive door for water rescues. It will be able to secure a stretcher. The boat also will be equipped with a fire-fighting pump.
Money to buy the boat was raised through the sale of family portraits, along with contributions from area businesses and citizens. Fund-raising efforts continue so that specialized equipment can be purchased. by CNB