BAYONNE – The city took possession of a new fire rescue boat on Thursday, increasing its capacity to handle on-water rescue and fire situations. Using a $228,196 grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security, the City of Bayonne purchased a 27-foot “weapon of mass destruction rescue vessel” from Safe Boats International of Bremerton, Wash.
The fireboat, which replaces a 18-foot 30-year-old Boston Whaler will not only be able to help rescue stranded boaters and cope with other rescue situations on the water, but also detect biological and chemical weapons that might be used by potential terrorists.