Secaucus Fire Boat Will Help Protect Passaic, Hackensack River Communities

The small navy of police and fire department craft that fight fires and assist in water rescues in Hudson, southern Bergen and eastern Essex counties got a little bigger Thursday, when the Secaucus Fire Department's boat was christened during a ceremony attended by several officials.

Fire Department Chaplain Father Victor Kennedy blesses Secaucus’ new Marine One firefighting vessel
Photo Credit: *Office of Rep. Bill Pascrell*

Paul Milo

08/29/2019 4:02 p.m.

“Making sure our firefighters have the best tools to do their jobs and protect our communities is a top priority for me in Congress. This boat is one of those tools that will help our first responders keep watch over our diverse coastlines and bridges,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9), who, as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, helped secure the $346,410 grant to buy the boat.

“Seeing this beautiful new boat is so gratifying not only because our fire professionals have a great tool to keep our cities and towns safe, but because this vessel is the product of city, state, and federal leaders working together to secure these funds.”

Also in attendance were Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, Assemblyman Pedro Mejia, Chief Carl Leppin of the Secuacus Fire Department and other officials.

Secaucus is a designated first-responder to 15 bridges along the Passaic River and 14 bridges along the Hackensack River, including the 114-year old Portal Bridge.

Jersey City, Kearny, Newark and Bayonne are some of the other communities in the region that have marine units.

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