ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Senator Lea Webb came to the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD) Wednesday morning to present $250,000 of state funding that supports the purchase of a new fire rescue boat.
With the new boat, the IFD will soon be able to better respond to a variety of service calls on Cayuga Lake for residents and visitors alike.
"We know that Cayuga Lake brings people from all over the region, all over the state, to our community here and it is important that, as we enjoy the beautiful resource that it is, whether that's for recreational purposes, it is important that our first responders are provided with the equipment to ensure that everyone can enjoy that beautiful resource safely," said Senator Lea Webb.
Senator Webb and some department members say this specific funding for the new equipment has been needed by IFD for a long time. IFD's current boat is a 21-foot vessel that has limited capacity and no fire suppression capabilities.
"Around four or five times in the last month, we've been contacted by various people at the marina where our current rescue boat is kept," said Deputy Fire Chief Mike Moody of the Ithaca Fire Department. "We get phone calls saying, 'Hey, you may want to come down here, your boat is half sunk.'"
Moody says the current boat is checked regularly and is still capable of responding but, it's not a plausible piece of equipment for the long term. However, the new 26-foot fire rescue boat can rescue up to eight people, deliver 1,250 gallons of water per minute, safely operate in harsh weather, and more.
"This is something that will help provide more security and safety for the folks that are going to be out on that water ensuring that we have the most up-to-date equipment and timely responses as possible to ensure that our visitors, as well as our residents, are kept safe," said Mayor Robert Cantelmo for the City of Ithaca. "So, Senator, on behalf of the City, I just really want to say thank you for your continued commitment to our community and for this huge investment. Thank you."
The new boat will be stationed at the Treman Marina on the South end of Cayuga Lake, a popular spot for people to visit.
The Ithaca Fire Department covers the Tompkins County portion of Cayuga Lake and says it will now be even more prepared to respond to emergencies.
Not only will the new boat help with fire and rescue situations on the lake but, it will also be equipped to help with hazmat responses as well. The IFD is also the designated Hazmat Response Team for Tompkins County. This means the boat can aid with issues like fuel spills along the lake and railroad too.