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]

Specifications

Constructed by MetalCraft Marine at Kingston, Ontario, William M. Feehan cost $4.7 million to build. The fireboat is 66 feet (20 m) long and powered by three 1,150 brake horsepower (860 kW) engines. The vessel has a maximum speed of 46 miles per hour (74 km/h). William M. Feehan is equipped with five water cannons, projecting 8,000 gallons per minute.[2]

References

  1. ^ Peter Kennedy (2015-08-06). "Kingston-built fireboat immortalizes 9/11 victim". Kingston Whig Standard. Retrieved 2015-08-10. Just shy of 21 metres in length, the William M. Feehan is powered by a trio of Caterpillar C-18 engines, each capable of pushing out 1,150 horsepower, with twin fuel tanks splitting 4,500 litres. Running at a top speed of 40 knots (about 75 km/h), it can stop in two boat lengths.
  2. ^ a b c "9/11-linked fireboat greets Hudson family". Register Star. 2015-10-21. Retrieved 2015-10-22. The newest member of the New York Fire Department's fleet has three 1,150 horsepower engines capable of going 46 mph and it took its maiden voyage from Kingston to the Brooklyn Naval Yard from Oct. 9-12.
  3. ^ a b c d "FDNY christens fireboat named in honor of deputy commissioner killed on 9/11". WABC TV. Retrieved 2015-11-21. The Feehan has multiple fire suppression capabilities on board, including more than 200 gallons of foam and 100-pounds of dry chemical, both of which are used to fight fuel based fires. The boat is equipped with a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear system to protect firefighters and other passengers within a pressurized and filtered cabin on board. The Feehan's design also allows it to operate and maneuver close to shore in shallow bay areas, including the areas around New York City's airports.
Categories