Fire department will receive rescue boat, brass pole for station

 The Clear Lake Fire Department has announced that it has received a very generous, private donation to the Clear Lake Volunteer Firefighter’s Association directed toward two specific projects. 

The first project is the purchase and installation of a brass fire pole and railing system at the fire station.  A fire pole was included in the original fire station plans but the pole and hardware were reserved from the project and was to be funded by private donations.  The pole 

and railing system will be installed this April and is being manufactured by McIntire Brass Works Inc. of Somerville, Mass.

The second project is for the purchase, equipping, and delivery of the community’s first true fire-rescue boat. 

The Clear Lake Fire Department purchased a 26-foot custom built aluminum fire-rescue boat that is being built at the Fraser Shipyards by Lake Assault Boats LLC of Superior, Wis. The boat will be a multi-purpose boat for both fire and rescue operations on the water. The 1,000 gallon per minute fire pump can be used to fight fires on or near lake shore properties as well as fires in boats both in the water or while docked.  The pump can also be used to supply water to fire apparatus for fires in areas around the lake without fire hydrants or with poor hydrant capabilities. 

The rescue and safety features include a forward looking infrared (FLIR), a night vision camera capable of seeing in the dark, smoke, or in foggy conditions. The boat also includes a side scanning sonar system used for locating victims beneath the waters surface. The landing craft style boat has a front bow that lowers into the water to easily load patients into the boat from the water and load or unload firefighters and equipment. The purchase includes a trailer that allows members of the department to transport it to surrounding communities for mutual aid requests. 

To enable fast response, during the open water season the boat will be stationed at the Main Avenue boat ramp on a specifically designed hoist.  During winter months, the boat will be stored at fire headquarters.

Members of the CLFD traveled to Superior, Wis. on Monday, March 9, for a pre-construction conference to finalize design elements of the fire boat. 

The boat will be completed by mid-May and delivered prior to Memorial Day.

Both projects were funded totally by a private donation that will be named at the boat’s christening at the time the boat is put into service after its delivery.

Clear Lake Mirror Reporter

12 N. 4th St.
Clear Lake, IA 50428
Telephone: +1 (641) 357-2131

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