The Los Angeles Fire Department and the Port of Los Angeles officially dedicated four brand new fireboats April 12, one of which is the most powerful in the world, and retired four older boats, including the historic 78-year-old Ralph J. Scott.
The ceremony featured Mayor James Hahn, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, Councilman Tom LaBonge, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Port Executive Director Larry Keller, and Fire Chief William Bamattre. Highlighting the festivities was the largest multiple fireboat water display in Los Angeles history, exceeding 50,000 gallons of water per minute.
"Seeing the new and old fireboats together was an amazing and moving experience," said Mayor Hahn, "The City is proud to have such high-caliber fireboats protecting our port and the surrounding communities."
The new boats include three, identical, 39-foot aluminium-hulled fireboats and the 105-foot Fireboat #2, the worlds'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.
The new Fireboat #2 replaces the 78-year-old Ralph J. Scott on the Fire Department fleet, which is the oldest, frontline fireboat in the country. It will be preserved as a historical monument, the details of which are still being determined.
"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," said Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre.
The four new boats, totalling $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, WA. The three, 39-foot fireboats were designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants and built by Kvichak Marine Industries, both out of Seattle, WA. |
