The city of Poughkeepsie Fire Department has taken delivery of its new rigid-hull inflatable rescue boat purchased under a Dutchess County grant, MidHudsonNews.com reported.
The new vessel, “Marine 2,” replaces the department’s 1985 Boston Whaler, stored at the Clover Street station, the report said.
The boat, trailer and ancillary equipment were bought from Defender Industries in Connecticut.
The 14-foot-long craft, powered by a 40-horsepower Honda engine, is capable of being deployed by trailer in minutes, with two firefighters to perform rescue operations on the Hudson River and other waters where it is needed, the report said.
The vessel cost approximately $21,000 outfitted with all of the necessary gear, and was paid for with funds received under the Dutchess County Municipal Investment Grant (MIG), according to the report. The Poughkeepsie Fire Department received $40,600 through Dutchess County’s Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) program earlier this year. Approximately $21,000 was spent on the new boat, trailer, and equipment.
The remaining funds are earmarked to purchase an off-road vehicle and equipment to respond to calls on the department’s section of the Dutchess County Rail Trail as well as the Urban Rail Trail being constructed in the city, the report said.
