The Duluth Fire Department has a new tool. The All-Hazard Vessel named Marine 19 officially became part of the fire fighting arsenal.

According to a press release from the City of Duluth, the department officially took ownership of its newest water resource on May 7th, 2019.  The name Marine 19 is named for the nineteen Line of Duty Deaths that the department has had since their inception in 1870.

The vessel was purchased after the department was successfully awarded a $447,750 Port Security FEMA grant. The grant required a 25% match in the amount of $149,250.

The vessel was built locally by Lake Assault Boats LLC in Superior, Wisconsin, and features thermal-imaging night vision camera, side-scan sonar, radar, and GPS navigation system, pumps, water cannon, firefighting foam, emergency medical equipment and gear to contain and handle potential hazardous material environmental threats. It will be used for both fires and all types of water-related emergencies.

Department staff has begun training on the vessel which will continue through the end of May.

An unveiling ceremony is planned for May 29th, at 10 a.m. at The Slips at Pier B Resort Hotel. All are invited to attend. More information on the ceremony will be provided in the coming weeks.

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