by BEN EBEN NEWHOUSE
Staten Island water-lovers can float a little easier this summer knowing a fireboat has been dedicated to patrolling off the South Shore. In fact, announcing the boat's assignment to a slip and a supporting trailer donated by the Mansion Marina in Great Kills yesterday, FDNY Borough Commander Thomas Haring said it already has made many people safer. Since its arrival on the South Shore in May, Haring said, the boat has responded to hundreds of incidents, from finding sailors lost in the fog to rescuing two people whose fishing craft was hit by a barge. Borough President James P. Molinaro allotted $200,000 in capital funds to purchase the 27-foot Boston Whaler last year. It had operated out of Marine Co. 9 in Stapleton, and patrolled the South Shore on the weekends last summer. Now two firefighters will operate the craft -- which is designated Marine Co. 8, since it doesn't yet have a name -- between the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and Tottenville between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. all week until boating season ends in mid-October. They will monitor communication to 911, fire dispatch and marine radio channels 16 and 13. Haring said the boat hits a top speed of 35 knots, has four water cannons, GPS and radar technology, and maneuvers well in shallow water. It is fully stocked with rescue equipment. Haring said the boat fulfilled a request made by his predecessor, John Casey, and significantly enhances FDNY services on Staten Island. Molinaro said the boat's presence on the South Shore makes him feel "more secure," as Marine Co. 9 required 45 minutes to reach the South Shore from Stapleton. "It is comforting to know that our beaches will be receiving extra protection this summer during our popular Back to the Beach festivals, free concerts and fireworks shows," he said. As to whether the boat should be patrolling New York Harbor with ferries under heightened security since the London bombings, Haring said the harbor is sufficiently covered by Marine Co. 1 in Manhattan, Marine Co. 6 in Brooklyn and Marine 9. Marina co-owner Ed Corbo said the firefighters were very helpful, and he hoped they would return next year, along with the NYPD boat that occupied the slip for 35 years prior to 2004.
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