The Jefferson Fire Dept.’s fire rescue boat is dry-docked in the fire station, awaiting repairs to its engine.
According to Fire Chief Walter Morris, the boat was damaged during a training exercise last month, after a number of divers rescued a mock victim and then all climbed into the boat at once.
“It took on water,” Morris said. “We got the victim loaded into the boat and then the divers jumped on.” He said the boat was swamped, damaging the motor’s electronic controls.
Complicating the matter is the fact that the company that manufactured the boat is no longer in business. Morris said Deputy Chief Darren Walker has been in touch with the engine’s manufacturer in Ohio.
