Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro and Borough Fire Chief Haring introduce two marine auxiliary rescue craft to Fire Department’s Staten Island fleet
FDNY demonstrates new emergency equipment in Great Kills Harbor
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro and FDNY Borough Commander Assistant Chief Thomas J. Haring today introduced two MARC’s -- Marine Auxiliary Rescue Craft – to the Fire Department’s Staten Island fleet with a demonstration of the new emergency equipment in Great Kills Harbor.
Borough President Molinaro allocated $80,000 in capital funds to the FDNY for the two 16-foot inflatable boats, which can hold 10 people and are outfitted with a 50-horsepower, 4-stroke outboard engine; navigation lights, floodlights for night rescue, marine band Coast Guard-approved radio, and GPS system with radar, plotter and high-tech depth finder.
“I am pleased to give the Fire Department the support and tools they need to protect public safety,” said Molinaro. “As marine traffic of all types increases each year in the waters of Staten Island – especially during the summer – the need for rapid response to marine fires, HazMat incidents and other emergencies also increases. The FDNY is determined to keep pace and requires rescue boats for year-round patrol of our Borough’s shoreline and waterfront infrastructure. It is comforting to know that our beaches will be receiving extra protection this summer during our popular ‘Back to the Beach’ festivals, free concerts, and fireworks shows for all to enjoy.”
Chief Haring said, “The Borough President has generously provided funding for two pieces of emergency equipment which are top-of-the-line and will provide additional response capabilities for the Fire Department. The waters of Staten Island are frequently used both recreationally and commercially, and when emergencies occur, the FDNY
Marine Auxiliary Rescue Craft will be a tremendous asset. They will provide us withadditional mobile response capability for our shores and for storm and hurricane preparedness.”
The new boats, which were originally built for military use, are capable of rapid beach launch to handle distress calls, ship fires, and additional response capability in the event of severe flooding. The boats will cover the North and South Shores, with one assigned to Engine 158 in Mariners Harbor, and the other to Engine 164 in Huguenot.
May 23, 2007