WACO, TX — The Waco Fire Department will replace a 28-year-old boat for a new one with additional firefighting tools.
In the past, firefighters have responded to calls of stranded boaters, swimmers in trouble, injured people and marina fires by boat.
Firefighters from station two located on Park Lake Drive started training on how to drive and use the boat features this week.
Lt. Adam Mary who was training on the boat on Thursday said it is larger then the one they had before.
"This boat is a lot larger than the boats we've had in the past. One of the things we are able to do with this boat is rescue a large number of people is if their vessel breaks down and get them back to shore," Lt. Adam Mary said.
The new boat also has an on board fire pump up that flows up to 550 gallons of water per minute, which is the equivalent of using four hand lines from fire trucks.
Deputy chief Robby Bergerson said the pump alone will make it safer and more efficient when responding on calls on the water.
"We have had some isolated boat fires that we couldn't get out and extinguish safely," Bergerson said.
In addition, it has a drop down front, which would allow firefighters to move patients into the boat in an easier manner.
"It will allow us to move patients safely and more easily," Bergerson said.
Chad Martichuski who owns Waco Lake Rentals said he called the fire department last year to help a boater in trouble.
He is glad that firefighters will bring a new tool to help those in need.
"Time is always of the essence in the water. When you start going under, it's one of those, the faster you get to something the better it is," Martichuski said.
The department expects to put the boat in service within the next two weeks. It will be operational in Lake Waco and the Brazos River.
