MUSKEGON, Mich. – The Muskegon County Sheriff showed off a new boat Friday.
The “Defender Firehawk” patrol boat was added to the department just in time for the busy holiday weekend on the water. Sheriff Dean Roesler showed the boat off to media today.
The high-tech 34-foot boat has two water canons or fire hoses that can shoot up to 80 feet. In addition to search-and-rescue use, the boat can also detect chemicals in the water and even includes an airtight cabin, in case crews have to go into a hazardous environment. The boat is also wider and longer than the current patrol boat, so it is more stable and reliable.
The boat cost $600,000, but much of the cost was covered by a federal grant.
