William H. Connerton, Jr. (fireboat)
Newport, Rhode Island, acquired a new fireboat, named William H. Connerton, Jr. on April 23, 2018.[1][2][3][4][5] Approximately seventy-five percent of the vessel's cost was covered by a FEMA Port Security Grant. $887,642.00 was paid for by FEMA, $267,500 was paid by the Newport Fire Department, but $200,000 of that was donated by Peter Kiernan III a local philanthropist.
Design
[edit]The 37 feet (11 m) catamaran is propelled by waterjets and powere by a pair of 425 shaft horsepower (317 kW) diesel engines.[4] Her two watercannons can project 3000 gallons per minute.[6] Her electronics suite includes sidescan sonar, a thermal camera, and an EKG monitor for rescuing and treating the injured. Her airtight cabin is designed not only to protect her crew from smoke, but also against radiological, biological or chemical attacks. When not fighting fires she is equipped for supporting divers, for body recovery. Her thermal camera can also pick out pick out the thermal signature of boaters who have fallen overboard, when engaged on search and rescue missions.
Namesake
[edit]Her namesake, William H. Connerton Jr. was a career firefighter, who retired after a term as fire chief, in 1980, who came from a family of firefighters.[4] Both his father, William H. Connerton Sr., and his son Peter Connerton, were career firefighters, who served as fire chief. Peter was chief when the decision to acquire the vessel was made. After William H. Connerton Jr. retired he subsequently served as Newport's city manager.
References
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Eric Haun (2017-06-13). "Moose Boats Bags Rhode Island Fireboat Order". Marine Link. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
'This boat is being funded through the combination of an award from the 2016 Port Security Grant Program, municipal monies and a very generous donation from philanthropist and Newport resident Peter D. Kiernan III,' Connerton said.
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Peter D. Connerton Sr. (2016-08-09). "PSGP – NFD Fire/Rescue Boat Maintenance Costs & other Questions" (PDF). Newport, Rhode Island. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
In Newport's primary area (Marine District M) the responding municipalities are as follows; Newport, Jamestown, North Kingstown, Middletown, Portsmouth and if needed Warwick. Of the five initial agencies committed North Kingstown is the only boat with significant Firefighting capabilities.
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Ryan Belmore (2018-04-19). "City of Newport to receive new fire boat on Monday, April 23rd". Newport, Rhode Island. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
The $887,000 boat is currently on its ways from Moose Boats in Vallejo, CA to Newport. Newport Patch reports that Marine 6 will be named "William H. Connerton, Jr.", after the former Newport Fire Chief and firefighter.
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Sean Flynn (2018-04-19). "Newport fire and rescue boat is on its way". Newport Daily News. Newport, Rhode Island. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
The Moose fireboat is equipped with advanced life-support equipment such as EKG monitors, trauma equipment and medications. The navigator's chair on the boat converts to a stretcher for patients. The open deck space at the rear of the boat is large enough for a Coast Guard helicopter to drop a basket onto it for a patient pickup.
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Sean Flynn (2017-03-23). "Newport City Council awards fire boat contract". Newport Daily News. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
Fire Chief Peter Connerton and his staff last year successfully applied for a Port Security Grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security. They presented a budget of $964,500 to purchase the boat from Moose Boats Inc. of Vallejo, California, of which the $723,375 federal grant would cover 75 percent, leaving the city's match at $241,125, or 25 percent.
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R.J. Heim (2018-05-11). "Newport Fire Department 'finally' obtains $1M fireboat". NBC News. Newport, Rhode Island. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
It also has two water cannons that can shoot a combined 3,000 gallons of water per minute.