Brian Schnider, of the Southwick Fire Department, uses a rag to clean the interior of the department’s new 19-foot watercraft. The $89,000 rescue craft was obtained from the United States Coast Guard after the government declared the boat excess material. The boat is fully equipped complete with long-distance weather radar and underwater sonar. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Fire Chief Richard Anderson can now feel that his staff is safe when responding to calls on the Congamond Lakes, with the addition of a new department boat.
Anderson told the Board of Selectmen this week that he has wanted a new boat for some time.
“For several years I have not been happy with our response capabilities on the lakes and the safety of our responders,” said Anderson.
After the lakes claimed three lives last summer, Anderson said he began actively looking for a new boat, which he said could have cost $80,000. Anderson put out the word that he was in need of a boat and received a call about a Coast Guard boat that had to be replaced, but was in good shape.
“It’s a 19-foot boat that was in service of the Coast Guard and they were forced to replace it,” Anderson said. “Another town was looking at it so I sent four guys down with a truck and it was beyond what we expected to find.”
The boat was given to the town, with acceptance from the board, for free.
“In 2003 the Coast Guard paid just under $100,000 for this boat,” said Anderson. “It has a new engine and 150 horsepower.”
The boat is aluminum and is called a safe boat, said Anderson.
“It’s rock solid and I couldn’t wish for a more safe platform,” he said.
Board Chairman Arthur Pinell said, “It sounds like an excellent opportunity.”
“It’s a home run,” said Anderson.
