Photo: James Rojas / WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A ship that was present for nearly every maritime emergency in New York during its seven-decade-long career, has now docked in Boston Harbor this week for showings in its retirement. On Monday, the 'Fire Fighter' flaunted its numerous operating water cannons to the public, firing a display high above the harbor's surface.
Officials say Fire Fighter has seen more valor medals as the longest-serving fireboat in New York, taking part in the 50 major multi-alarm fires she battled between 1938 and 2010.
WBZ's James Rojas climbed onboard with CEO of Telegian Holdings James Tomes for a tour around the boat.
"One of the most notably things was during 9/11, it came alongside the pier and pumped 20,000 gallons a minute in recovery operations," Tomes said.
Fire Fighter also responded to the 2009 crash landing of the U.S. Airways flight 1549 on the Hudson River.
Fireboat Chief Engineer Matt Perricone says he is excited to show off the Fire Fighter off to Boston's onlookers.
"I hope they get excited to see a working piece of history— the boat is fully functional, and could fight a fire right now if it needed to. It's fun to share that with people and see them get excited," Perricone said.
The fireboat is in Boston alongside the National Fire Protection Association's Conference & Expo, which hosts over a hundred fire protection educational sessions between Monday and Thursday.
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But onboard the Fire Fighter, crew members encapsulate the firefighting techniques and achievements of the past.
"It's a celebration of our first responders, and a celebration of America— it's awesome," Tomes said.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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