The Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department (SVRSFD) has been awarded a significant Port Security Grant to replace its aging Fire Boat 3, commissioned in 1995. The new vessel, a state-of-the-art MetalCraft Marine Firestorm 36, will enhance the department’s fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response capabilities.
The $600,000 grant, obtained with the support of the Calvert County Government and other agencies, will save county taxpayers approximately $325,000. The new fireboat, expected to be delivered within 18–24 months, will feature advanced technology and robust firefighting capabilities, ensuring improved service to the community.
Upgraded Capabilities for Modern Challenges
The Firestorm 36 is designed with MetalCraft Marine’s latest advancements, combining an interceptor and firestorm hull in a hybrid aluminum construction. Equipped with a powerful 1,500 gallons-per-minute (gpm) fire suppression pump, the vessel will include pre-piped waterways and master streams for effective water supply and suppression. Its propulsion will come from three 400-horsepower V10 Mercury Marine outboard engines, supported by a 7.5 kW Westerbeke generator for onboard power.
Additionally, the vessel will house a climate-controlled cabin accommodating four crew members and up to two patients on backboards, with room for additional personnel. Cutting-edge features include Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) detection, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology, and RayMarine electronics compatible with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Community Support and Acknowledgments
The new fireboat will be stationed in a covered slip on Solomons Island, provided by the Maryland Pilots Association. SVRSFD expressed gratitude to the Calvert County Government, Barbara Warner, and her team at Calvert County Public Safety for their efforts in securing the grant.
“This has proven to be one of the most difficult equipment replacements for SVRSFD,” said Clifton Buchanan, chairman of the Fireboat 3 Replacement Committee and life member of SVRSFD. “The committee spent many months searching for sea trials and had to travel to numerous locations to find and experience what we felt our citizens would benefit from the most for this new vessel. I could not be prouder of this team and this new vessel. She will provide a great service for the next 20-30 years.”
Dedicated Committee Efforts
The replacement process involved extensive research and collaboration by the Fireboat 3 Replacement Committee. Members include:
- Chairman: Clifton Buchanan, Life Member
- Assistant Chairman: Ryonn Taylor, Life Member
- Department Chief: Jonathan Dalrymple
- Assistant Chief: Joseph Ford Sr., Past Chief and Life Member
- Deputy Chief of EMS: Richard Hargrave
- Bernie Shea: Past Chief, President, and Life Member
- Thomas Moore: Past Chief and Life Member
MetalCraft Marine’s sales representative, Bob Clark, worked closely with the committee to finalize pre-build plans, slated for early January 2025.
Future Service to the Community
The new Firestorm 36 will bolster SVRSFD’s ability to respond to emergencies on the water, reflecting the department’s commitment to safety and innovation. With its advanced features and durable design, the vessel is expected to serve the community for the next two to three decades.
