Julien St-Jean
Bristol July 15, 2021
The Bristol Fire Department is trying to raise funds to buy a boat for performing water rescues.
In the past two years, the department has received three calls to perform water rescues. In these situations, they’ve had to borrow boats from the police department or use commercial boats, which are not made for these types of rescues.
“Usually if we get called out for stuff like that, it’s not a nice day,” said Alex Mahon, who has recently taken courses in water rescues. “It’s a real eye opener. A lot of things will be done differently going forward.”
The department estimates that the boat itself will cost $30,000. They say they already have some equipment – such as life jackets and throw lines – but beyond that, the boat will be equipped with the bare minimum to start with. In a boot drive earlier this month, the department raised $5,000 of their $30,000 goal.
Mahon says that the zodiac boat the department is looking at is made to withstand poor conditions and float even if it takes on water.
“They will flip, they’re not invincible,” said Mahon. “But they’re designed so they can be flipped back.”
As of now, only Mahon has received training in water rescue, but the department plans to send eight other firefighters for training in the fall.
Fire Chief Kevin Kluke says he doesn’t expect the department to get the boat this year, but hopes that they will be able to raise enough during 2022.
Donations can be delivered to the Municipal Hall or given to Tracey Moore, Darleen Wiggins or Ken Bernard.
