William M. Feehan (fireboat)

History
NameWilliam M. Feehan
OperatorNew York City Fire Department
BuilderMetalCraft Marine, Kingston
In serviceNovember 20, 2015
StatusIn active service
General characteristics
TypeFireboat
Length66 ft (20 m)
Installed power3 x 1,150 bhp (860 kW) engines
Speed46 mph (74 km/h)
Notes5 × water cannons

William M. Feehan is a fireboat built for and operated by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).[1] Her namesake, William M. Feehan, was the oldest and most senior FDNY firefighter to perish in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.[2] Her nameplate is carved from a steel plate salvaged from the collapse of the World Trade Center. The vessel's $4.7 million cost was largely covered by a FEMA Port Security Grant Program.[3]

The boat is designed to operate in shallow waters, including bay areas close to Laguardia and John F. Kennedy airports. She also has systems to protect those onboard from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards using a pressurized and filtered cabin.[3]

She was built in Kingston, Ontario, at MetalCraft Marine.[3] Wellwishers gathered to welcome her as she transited the Oswego Canal, Erie Canal, and Hudson River.[2]

The fireboat entered service on November 20, 2015.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference KingstonWhig2015-08-06 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference RegisterStar2015-10-21 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Wabc2015-11-20 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).