On Monday afternoon on finally a day above freezing, new career staff Andrew Plotts and Marine Lt Bill Sahm took the fire boat for a ride down to the mouth of the C & D Canal admist an abundence of floating debris.  This time instead of logs and tree branches [as usual in the warmer months] it was ice chunks.  On Sunday January 26 we held Fire Boat training too.  This day it was reduced to identifying the systems and components of the vessel as it was frozen in place at it's dock.  Some 2" thick ice surrounded her and the branch canal looked like a skating rink.

On Monday, much of the ice had disapated.  The entrance to the Branch Canal was guarded by sheets of this thick ice and floating chunks.  A water rescue this time of the year would be as dangerous for the crew as it would be for the victims.

Please join us for Fire Boat 15 training on the first and last Monday's of the month.  Special dates will be added for daytime operations as well.  Sign up sheets are located in the hallway.