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New emergency response boat comes to Livingston Parish
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SPRINGFIELD - The latest weapons to fight fires on the waters in Livingston Parish Fire District 2 was built to take a beating.
The new aluminum fire fighting boat can pump water by the tons and is fully equipped to save lives.
"It's a strong hull. I knew it can take a beating out here and It's a work boat, so it can handle the work load out here," Fire Chief Brian Drury said.
Drury said the boat is equipped with medical equipment for trauma as well as EMS equipment including a defibrillator.
Fire District 2 received the boat free of charge from the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, but was could not afford to properly equip the boat. That's when the community stepped in with more than $15,000 in donations.
"We have a great community down here," Drury said. "The support has been over whelming, they know we have the need and they have embraced the boat."
And the boat also has a new home at the "Make 'em Wet Marina" near Springfield.
Before getting the new boat, the Fire District 2 had to rely on Livingston Parish Sheriff's Department to respond to emergencies on the water.
"There were times when we just hitch hiked with citizens pulling up in a boat," Drury said. "We threw our equipment in the boat with them and ride up to the accident."
The chief says the floating fire fighting machine is just what they needed to keep the waterways in Livingston Parish safer during the long holiday weekend.
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