The Anne Arundel County Fire Department officially welcomed the newest addition to its maritime fleet with the first of two state-of-the-art 50-foot Defiant NXT Fireboats yesterday at Sandy Point State Park. Representatives from Metal Shark, which manufactured the boat, delivered the first fireboat via waterways from Louisiana to Maryland. This powerful and versatile vessel is set to significantly enhance the county's ability to respond to emergencies on the water.
The new fireboat, whose name will be released in the coming months, represents a significant investment in the safety and security of Anne Arundel County. With over 500 miles of shoreline, this new asset is faster and better equipped to handle a wide range of maritime emergencies, from fires on boats and waterfront structures to medical emergencies and search and rescue operations on and around our County's vast waterways.
The 50-foot fireboat features a wide range of innovative enhancements, including twin-inboard diesel waterjet propulsion engines with a projected top speed of 45 knots, and is more economical than traditional inboards at cruising speeds. The spacious, climate-controlled pilothouse with "pillarless glass" will significantly reduce blind spots, giving crew members better visibility during storms or other emergencies where visibility is diminished.
The Defiant Fireboats are designed for maximum firefighting capability. We are now more equipped to combat fires by delivering over 8,500 gallons of water per minute with dual fire pumps. Additionally, water flow is directed electronically from inside the pilothouse with manual backups as needed.
At the end of last year, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department solicited names from community and department members to assist with naming the new boats. "Involving our Community and Department Members to be a part of the naming process ensures both fireboats will receive names from those who will directly benefit by adding these two maritime vessels to our fleet," said Fire Chief Trisha Wolford.
The new fireboat will go into service once it can be properly outfitted with emergency equipment and crews are trained. The training is scheduled to begin this month and last through September. Once completed, the vessel will replace the current Lady Anne Fire Boat at Station #19, which responds out of Sandy Point State Park. Lady Anne will move down to Shady Side until the second fireboat is in service, which is scheduled for late fall of this year.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department is committed to proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all who live and visit our County. The addition of these two new vessels will strengthen that commitment.
