Guilford Marine Unit Vessel To Be Repowered Following Selectmen Approval

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Board of Selectmen on Monday voted to approve the repowering of a fire department marine unit vessel at $117,689.

Guilford Fire Chief Michael Shove and Assistant Chief of Operations/Deputy Fire Marshal Clint Haverkampf appeared before the board with the request, explaining there was only one bidder for the repowering.

Haverkampf explained the Guilford Fire Department received a federal port security grant to help bring down the price tag, so the actual cost to the town is $42,375. This was the third time the GFD applied for the grant.

"The boat itself is about 11 years old now. The motors are 11 years old, and they're starting to show wear and tear, so we were fortunate after the third attempt to successfully achieve the federal grant funding," Shove said.

The GFD serves as a critical partner in the region for marine rescues. Shove noted the department typically has 15-20 calls per year out on Long Island Sound.

"We do a lot for a small department. We've saved a lot of lives out there, just in the last five years of pulling people out of the water from capsized boats, things like that. Whether it's the wintertime or summertime, we are busy," Shove added.

First Selectman Matt Hoey asked how much the annual maintenance is for the boat, outside of the "extensive" repowering.

Haverkampf said the department spends between $2,500 and $5,000 a year. Funds come from a line in the GFD operating budget for the marine division, which covers preventative maintenance like bottom paint and motor tuneups.

The board unanimously approved the repowering request.