March 28, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Theresa Adams Lopez
(310) 732-3507
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT TAKES DELIVERY ON
WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL FIREBOAT
SAN PEDRO, CA - On Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Fire Station 112 at the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the Port of Los Angeles will officially dedicate four brand new fireboats, one of which is the most powerful in the world, and retire four older boats. The ceremony featuring Mayor James Hahn, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, Port Executive Director Larry Keller, and Fire Chief William Bamattre will begin at 10:00 am and will include the largest multiple fireboat water display in Los Angeles history, exceeding 50,000 gallons of water per minute.
"These new fireboats will provide additional security for the nation's busiest Port," stated Mayor James Hahn. "These new fireboats will use the latest marine firefighting technology to ensure public safety at the port and the surrounding community."
The new boats include three, identical 39-foot aluminum-hulled fireboats and the 105-foot Fireboat #2, the world's most powerful fireboat. Each boat features the most modern marine firefighting technology, medical treatment areas, powerful engines and the fortitude to stand up to 24-hour use.
"Today's fireboat delivery just adds to our contention that the Port of Los Angeles is the best monitored and best protected port in the country," said Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "Our communities should be comforted by the Fireboat Dedication knowledge that our firefighters have the most state-of-the-art, clean fuel equipment to keep this harbor safe and our air clean; and the entire region can rest assured that we are taking every possible step to ensure that this port is adequately equipped at all times."
New Fireboat #2 replaces the 78-year-old Ralph J. Scott on the Fire Department fleet. The Ralph J. Scott, which is the oldest frontline fireboat in the country, will be preserved as a historical monument, the details of which are still being determined.
"From the public safety point of view," stated Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, "no other port fire agency in the world is better prepared to battle whatever emergency may come its way than the City of Los Angeles Fire Department at the Port of Los Angeles, particularly with this new state-of-the-art equipment."
"We are committed to providing the highest level of protection for the people and property at the Port of Los Angeles, and these new fireboats will allow us to fulfill that goal," commented Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre.
The four new boats, at a total cost of $11.6 million, were paid for by the Port of Los Angeles and will be housed at strategic response locations around the Port of Los Angeles.
"The Port of Los Angeles is more than pleased to be able to provide these state-of-the-art vessels to the Fire Department," said Larry Keller, Port Executive Director. "We see it as a win for the Port's neighbors, visitors and customers."
The new Fireboat #2 was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. In Vancouver, B.C., and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington. The three identical 39-foot fireboats were designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants and built by Kvichak Marine Industries, both out of Seattle. The companies were chosen for their expertise in and experience in building fireboats that are "built to last."
Fire Station 112 is located at 6th Street and Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro.