Richmond Fire Department Unveils Fireboat During Search For Downed Plane
RICHMOND (KPIX 5) -- The Richmond Fire Department has recently deployed a new asset in its firefighting arsenal – a fireboat.
The boat was recently put to the test on its first major mission when a single-engine Cessna plane went down in San Pablo Bay. The boat was used to look for wreckage of the plane along with a San Francisco Police Department boat.
A former Richmond Fire Department battalion chief spearheaded the effort to bring the boat to the force. Fire Chief Michael Banks says the former battalion chief gathered the grant money necessary to obtain the boat and provide money for the training – at no cost to the public.
Wednesday at noon, KPIX 5 will offer an up-close look at the fire boat and training, and speak with the man who started the program.