Fireboats of Jacksonville, Florida facts for kids
Did you know that the city of Jacksonville, Florida uses special boats to fight fires and help people on the water? These boats are called Fireboats. From 1999 to 2001, Jacksonville had a fleet of three fireboats. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a government group that helps with disasters, reported this.
Most cities only require the main captain of a fireboat to have a special license from the US Coast Guard. But in Jacksonville, every single crew member on a fireboat must have a license that allows them to be the captain of a boat up to 100 tons! This means everyone on board is highly skilled.
Between 1999 and 2001, Jacksonville's fireboats were very busy. They responded to water rescues 486 times. They also helped fight fires 193 times.
What Are Fireboats?
Fireboats are like floating fire trucks. They are specially designed boats equipped with powerful pumps and water cannons. These cannons can spray huge amounts of water onto fires. Fireboats are super important for fighting fires that happen on ships, docks, or buildings near the water. They can also help rescue people who are in trouble on the water.
Jacksonville's Fireboat History
Jacksonville has a long history of using fireboats. The city got its very first fireboat in 1922. It was named the John C. Callahan. This boat was originally a 110-foot subchaser from World War I. A subchaser was a small warship used to hunt submarines.
Jacksonville's Fireboat Fleet
Over the years, Jacksonville has had several different fireboats. Each one played an important role in keeping the city safe. Here's a look at some of them:
| Name of Fireboat | Started Service | Ended Service | Interesting Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| John C. Callahan | 1922 | 1963 | * This boat was made from a World War I subchaser. |
| Richard D. Sutton | 1951 | 1971 | |
| Eugene Johnson | 1971 | Still in service | * Named after a brave firefighter who died while on duty. |
| Jax No. 1 | 1972 | Still in service | * This fireboat was once a tugboat that was changed to fight fires. |
| Jake M. Godbold | 2007 | Still in service | * This boat moves using special waterjets, not propellers. It was named after a former mayor of Jacksonville. |
| Marine 39 | 2018 | Still in service | * This is a 37-foot boat made by MetalCraft Marine.
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