Fire Fighter (fireboat) facts for kids
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| History | |
|---|---|
 New York City Fire Department |
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| Name | Fire Fighter |
| Operator | New York City Fire Department |
| Builder | United Shipyards |
| Laid down | 1937 |
| Launched | August 26, 1938 |
| Christened | August 26, 1938 |
| Commissioned | November 16, 1938 |
| Decommissioned | July 17, 2010 |
| Homeport | New York City |
| Nickname(s) | The Fighter |
| Honors and awards |
1974 Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation |
| Fate | Museum Ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 220.44 net |
| Length | 134 ft (41 m) |
| Beam | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Height | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Draught | 9.24 ft (2.82 m)Error: has synonymous parameter (help) |
| Draft | 9 ft (2.7 m)Error: has synonymous parameter (help) |
| Installed power | Twin 1500 hp, 16-cylinder, 3968 CID General Motors Winton diesel engines |
| Propulsion | Twin Westinghouse 1000 hp Electric Propulsion Motors |
| Speed | 14 knots (16 mph) |
| Capacity | 20,000gpm |
| Crew | 7-11 |
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Fire Fighter (fireboat)
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| Location | Greenport, Suffolk County, New York |
| Built | 1938 |
| Built by | United Shipyards |
| Architect | William Francis Gibbs |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001447 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1989 |
| Designated NHL | June 30, 1989 |
Quick facts for kids Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation |
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|---|---|
| Awarded for | Actions on May 30th, 1973 following the collision of the SS Esso Brussels and SS Sea Witch and the rescue of 31 trapped crew from life-threatening fire aboard the SS Sea Witch. |
 Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation Ribbon |
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The Fire Fighter is a famous fireboat that served the New York City Fire Department for over 70 years. From 1938 to 2010, she helped fight many big fires. When she was built in 1938, she was the strongest diesel-electric fireboat in the world.
Fire Fighter helped put out over 50 major fires. These included fires on the huge ships SS Normandie in 1942 and the SS El Estero in 1944. She also responded to a large ship collision in 1973. One of her most important jobs was during the September 11, 2001 events. Today, she is a special museum ship.
A Heroic Career: Fire Fighter's Service
Building a Powerful Fireboat
The idea for Fire Fighter came from Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1937. She was designed by a famous naval architect named William Francis Gibbs. The boat was built at United Shipyards. She was launched and named on August 28, 1938.
On November 16, 1938, Fire Fighter officially joined the New York City Fire Department. Her first home was at Pier 1 in the Battery, New York City. This location was later called Marine Unit 1.
Fighting Fires in New York Harbor
From her first post, Fire Fighter responded to many emergencies. Two of her most famous early actions were:
- The fire and sinking of the SS Normandie in 1942.
- A dangerous fire on the ammunition ship SS El Estero in 1943.
She also fought many other fires on ships and piers around New York Harbor.
Later, Fire Fighter moved to different locations. She served with Marine Unit 8 in Brooklyn. Then she moved to Stapleton with Marine Unit 9. This new spot was important because it covered busy waterways. These areas had a lot of ship traffic, especially container ships.
The Gallant Ship Award
In 1973, Fire Fighter faced one of her biggest challenges. Two large ships, the Esso Brussels and SS Sea Witch, crashed. This caused a huge fire. Fire Fighter worked alone to fight the blaze. Her crew also rescued 31 sailors from the burning Sea Witch.
For their bravery, Fire Fighter and her crew received a special honor. She was named a Gallant Ship. Her crew also got the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. Fire Fighter is the only fireboat ever to receive this important award.
A National Historic Landmark
In 1989, the Fire Fighter was recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. This means she is a very important part of American history.
Responding to September 11, 2001
On September 11, 2001, Fire Fighter played a vital role. She and other FDNY marine units rushed to the World Trade Center. She pumped water at her highest power. This water went to firefighters on land who were battling the fires.
After the towers collapsed, the city's water pipes broke. Fire Fighter and other fireboats became the only source of water for firefighting at Ground Zero. Fire Fighter kept pumping water for three weeks straight. This was her longest emergency call ever.
Later Years and Retirement
After 2001, Fire Fighter continued her service. She helped with a gasoline barge explosion in 2003. She also responded to the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009.
In 2010, a new fireboat, the Fire Fighter II, took her place. Fire Fighter was then put into reserve. In 2012, she was given to a non-profit group. This group, the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum, now keeps her running. They want to preserve her history as a museum ship.
Fire Fighter as a Museum Ship
Finding a New Home
The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum found a home for the historic boat. She moved to Greenport, New York, on Long Island, in February 2013. The museum is run by volunteers. It has become very popular.
The museum received a special grant in 2014. This grant helped them keep the boat in good condition. It allowed them to do important maintenance work.
Restoring Her Original Look
In December 2016, Fire Fighter went to a shipyard for four months. She had a full inspection and overhaul. In April 2017, she returned to Greenport. She now looks just like she did in the late 1930s. Her hull is black, her upper parts are white, and her smokestack is buff. All her brass parts shine like new.
Photo gallery
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Fire Fighter's engine room with pumps and engines
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One of Fire Fighter's smaller water cannons
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Fire Fighter's water cannons in action
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Fire Fighter's original 1938 engine order telegraph
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A Pyrometer from Fire Fighter's Engine Room
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Fire Fighter's Builder's Plate
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One of four powerful DeLaval Marine Fire Pumps
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Plate for one of Fire Fighter's Westinghouse Electric motors
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The Chief Marine Engineer's control console
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The port side 16-cylinder GM/Winton Diesel Engine
