***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FDNY HOLDS 11TH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE MARINE FLEET AT INTREPID SEA, AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

The New York City Fire Department will host the 11th Annual Blessing of its Marine Fleet at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m.  The FDNY Marine Fleet consists of more than 20 vessels responsible for over 560 miles of coastline and harbors.  There will be a procession of fireboats featuring the Three Forty Three, Fire Fighter II, Bravest and a new 31-foot medical response fireboat, followed by a water display.  

“FDNY Marine Operations fleet of fireboats is faster, stronger and more advanced than ever before; and now features the first medical boats fully certified as ambulances in New York City, allowing the Department to further enhance the emergency medical care we provide in and around the waterways of our city,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano.  “The dedicated members who operate these fireboats stand ready to respond to any and all emergencies and further our mission to protect the lives and property of New Yorkers – on land and sea.”

In the past several years the FDNY has welcomed several new fireboats into its fleet, including this year’s medical response boats.  In May of 2010, the Three Forty Three was commissioned, followed by Fire Fighter II in November of that year.  Each vessel is 140-feet long, weighs 500 tons and has the capability to pump 50,000 gallons of water per minute.  The fireboat Bravest was commissioned in May of 2011 and has a top speed of over 50 miles per hour, making it the fastest in the fleet.

The weekend will feature a wide range of activities for the public including rescue demonstrations and tours of FDNY engines, ladders and ambulances.  In addition, the "Battle of the Boroughs" competition will feature FDNY firefighters competing for the grand prize and title of Best FDNY Chef.  All events are part of Firefighter Appreciation Weekend at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

***Photo Op***

Press Contact: Francis X. Gribbon & Frank Dwyer, (FDNY) (718) 999-2056

http://www.nyc.gov/fdny