New vessel will help support operations of Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills Fire Department

Washington (June 5, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey and Congressman Bill Keating today applauded the launch of a new 25’ Safe Boat that will help support emergency response and year-round operations at the Centerville, Osterville, Marstons Mills (COMM) Fire Department. The COMM Fire Department is responsible for serving a 26 square mile area, including a long coastline, but did not have watercraft that could operate in seas above six feet, nor could operate year-round. The new vessel also will allow the department to operate its fully-trained dive team within the district, which can now serve surrounding communities. Last year, Senator Markey and Rep. Keating requested a surplus U.S. Coast Guard from the federal government for the department. 

“The great arm of Cape Cod just got stronger with the addition of this fire rescue boat for the COMM Fire Department,” said Senator Markey. “I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Keating, the COMM Fire Department and state and federal agencies to secure this new vessel, which will help secure the coastline of the Cape and ensure the safety of its residents.” 

“The COMM Fire Department provides rescue and safety services to a large are of Cape Cod, including four bays, multiple harbors and miles of coastline,” said Keating.  “The new SafeBoat will allow the Department to patrol their district year-round as opposed to only seasonally, as they were previously only able to do.  This transaction is a win for all involved - the Coast Guard, who needed to sell the SafeBoat; the Department, who needed to procure one; and most importantly, the entire Cape Cod Community, who will be safer thanks to this new equipment.”

“This is a perfect use of the excess property program and its mission to serve the public,” said COMM Fire Chief Michael Winn. “By having this boat, formerly owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, we are able to provide a much better public safety response to the waters around Centerville, Osterville and Marstons Mills.  At the same time, we have a much safer vessel for both our patients and rescuers. This boat started its service to the residents and visitors of Cape Cod and will continue serving these same residents and visitors here in our district and our neighboring communities.”

“DCR is proud to be able to provide this fire rescue boat to the COMM Fire Department through our Federal Excess Property agreement with the US Forest Service,” said DCR Commissioner Jack Murray. “Our agency has a long standing relationship with the forest service, dating back to the 1970's, to provide Firefighting Equipment to cities and towns across Massachusetts, which brings in an average of $4 -$6 million in equipment value annually.”