Secaucus Gets Federal FEMA Grant To Buy New Fire Boat

SECAUCUS, NJ — Secaucus just received a $346,410 federal grant from FEMA to buy a new marine fire boat.

The news was announced Friday by Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli and Democratic Congressman Bill Pascrell, who represents the area in Congress. It was Rep. Pascrell who secured the funds from FEMA.

Secaucus needs a fire boat because it patrols the entire southern half of the Hackensack River, all the way down to Newark Bay, Gonnelli said.

There are many boaters who use the Hackensack River who may be in distress, or could have a boat fire. There are also jet-skiers, kayakers and others who use the river and could need a rescue, said Gonnelli. Also, there are many structures, such as bridges, train crossings and fuel tanks along the Hackensack, all of which could very easily pose a large-scale fire or even terrorism risk. he said.

The town already has a fire boat, a second-hand boat purchased after North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue no longer had a use for it. The fire boat is docked at the Coast Guard dock under the Rt. 3 bridge. This new boat will replace it.

The boat has not yet been purchased, as the funds were just secured today, but the town will likely have it by next spring.

“These funds will go a long way in increasing firefighting capabilities in one of our nation’s largest transportation hubs," said Rep. Pascrell.

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