Greenwich Commissions New Public Safety Vessel At Yacht Club

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Public Safety Vessel #139 made a dramatic entry into Greenwich Harbor, spraying thousands of gallons of water from its two fire monitors, as it arrived for its recent official commissioning ceremony.

The Greenwich Police Department's new public safety vessel speeds through Greenwich Harbor at its recent commissioning ceremony.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of the Greenwich Police Department*

by Eric Gendron

09/21/2013 4:00 a.m.

The new $600,000 state-of-the-art vessel was purchased through a 2008 Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and Port Security Grant. The vessel was designed as a multiagency platform for Police, EMS, Fire and Dive Operations.

The ceremony was held at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club. Remarks were made by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th District), Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei and Greenwich Chief of Police James Heavey. The program was officiated by retired Lt. Thomas Keegan.

Tesei's wife, Jill, officially commissioned the vessel, smashing a bottle of champagne over its bow. The Rev. Thomas L. Nins, the police chaplain, led the blessing for the new vessel.

The vessel is equipped with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive detection systems, as well as a pressurized cabin for the protection of the crew. Additionally the vessel has a dedicated patient berthing area for emergency care and treatment.

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