Events & Activities - Brewerton Fire Department Water Rescue Air Boat - April 10, 2004

(Brewerton) - "We thank Senator Hoffmann for substantially upgrading our ability to respond to emergencies with a new water rescue air boat," said Chief Donald Mackey of the Brewerton Fire Department. "An air-powered boat is essential for our rescue operations on Oneida Lake because it can operate on water or ice. This air boat can also be used for flood response and in swampy areas not accessible for small boats. It also provides a safe vehicle for the emergency responders," explained Chief Mackey. Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann (R-49th District) awarded a $30,000 legislative grant to the Brewerton Fire Department for the purchase of the new water rescue air boat. Senator Hoffmann said, "We owe it to the courageous firefighters and rescue personnel to provide them with the best equipment possible. They put their lives on the line to help people in distress." The Brewerton Fire District has responded to 100 calls for help on Oneida Lake and the Oneida River over the past 10 years. Brewerton Fire Department's New Rescue Airboat. The boat was built by Rivercraft Search & Rescue Airboats located in Norwich, NY. The boat will be stationed at Brewerton Station 2, which is located on Oneida Lake’s south shore. It will be available to help seven fire departments in four counties. Senator Hoffmann told reporters about the importance of a Rescue Airboat for the Brewerton Fire District. "Previously, Brewerton’s ice rescue response meant firefighters had to drag or carry a pontoon-like sled out to the victim, an extremely fatiguing operation and only ONE person could be rescued at a time," said Senator Hoffmann. An informative sign located at Oneida Shores State Park. This sign lists various hazzards boaters and snowmobilers could experience while using the lake. The sign also lists rules and regulations that lake users must follow. This sign explains to readers that the algae in the lake, although a nuisance to swimmers and fisherman, is actually a vital source of food for many of the underwater inhabitants of the lake and is a major part of the lake's ecosystem. One of the Brewerton Fire Department's Rescue vehicles. Senator Hoffmann standing with incoming Brewerton Fire Department Chief Marshall Shupe. Chief Shupe is also an Onondaga County Fire Investigator. Senator Hoffmann is seen wearing a Brewerton Fire Department snow cap presented to her earlier by Vice President Gerald Muckey, Jr. Brewerton Fire Department Chief Marshall Shupe (l), Senator Hoffmann, & member Jeffrey Weeks. (l to r) Current Brewerton Fire Department Chief Donald Mackey, Rivercraft Manager John Phelan, Senator Hoffmann, & Incoming Brewerton Fire Department Chief Marshall Shupe. Senator Hoffmann asked some operational questions about the boat while members of the media looked on in the background. (l to r) Brewerton Fire Department Dive Team Captain Terry Wicks, Rivercraft Manager John Phelan, & Senator Hoffmann situate themselves as they prepare for a test ride. Dive Team Captain Terry Wicks points out a potential victim, while Rivercraft Manager John Phelan demonstrates the ability to idle the boat effortlessly for the rescue. The lightweight Hirth helicopter engine makes this maneuver possible with its 200 pounds of total rear weight and its overall weight of just 810 pounds, this boat is like no other! Senator Hoffmann gets a first hand feel of the boat's capabilities in open water. "Their new Rivercraft air boat allows up to four rescuers to respond and can carry a number of victims, speeding up rescue time and greatly enhancing firefighter safety," said Senator Hoffmann. Senator Hoffmann brings the boat to the dock after a turn at the helm. After docking, Senator Hoffmann shared her thoughts on riding in the Rescue Airboat with John Phelan. Listening in is Terry Wicks. John Phelan demonstrating the ease of trailering the craft. Dive Team Captain Terry Wicks answered some questions from the media. The Brewerton dive/ice rescue team has responded to calls as far north as Redfield, south to Tully, east to Cleveland as well as Phoenix, Fulton and Oswego. (l to r) Rivercraft Manager John Phelan, George Hart, Jeffery Weeks, Incoming Chief Marshall Shupe, Senator Hoffmann, Mike Stassi, Dive Team Captain Terry Wicks, Duane Otis, Current Chief Donald Mackey, Gerald Muckey Jr., Gerald Muckey Sr., Don Devaul, Mike Davison & his daughter Meghan Davison, Chief of Brewerton's Explorer Post. Meghan, a high school junior took the opportunity to meet Senator Hoffmann and to express her interest in possibly participating in the Senator's Civil Rights Connection trip to Mississippi. Return to Events Listing