Solomons Wins Port Security Grant
 
By Life Member Clifton Buchanan
December 9, 2024
 

Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department (SVRSFD) is pleased to announce they have been
awarded a Port Security Grant to aid in replacing current Fire Boat 3!

The new vessel a MetalCraft Marine Firestorm 36 will replace current Fire boat 3 which was
commissioned in 1995 a 28’ Winninghoff boat with 500gpm pump. The new vessel will be housed in a
covered slip on Solomons Island, thanks to the continued support from the Maryland Pilots Association
located in Solomons Island Maryland.

The new vessel utilizes MetalCraft Marines advancements, interceptor, and firestorm hull in a hybrid
configuration. The new all aluminum construction will house a 1500 gpm fire suppression pump with pre-
piped waterways and master streams that are effective for water supply and suppression activities. Three 400 HP,
V10 Mercury Marine outboards will power the new vessel and onboard power will come from a 7.5 kw
Westerbeke generator . The vessel will have an enclosed climate-controlled cabin capable of supporting
four crew members and a minimum of two patients, secured to backboards when needed and room for
more. This vessel will also have Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE)
detection, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) capabilities and RayMarine electronics that are compatible
with United States Coast Guard.

SVRSFD would like to thank the Calvert County Government and supporting agencies in their efforts to
obtain this new vessel and its funding. SVRSFD was awarded $600,000.00 from the Port Security Grant
that is saving an estimated $325,000.00 to county taxpayers. We would like to extend a thank you to
Barbara Warner and her team with Calvert County Public Safety on this milestone grant awarding! 

Metalcraft Marine estimates an 18–24 month period for delivery. Boat 3 replacement committee members
look forward to finishing the pre-build with MetalCraft Marine in early January 2025.

“This has proven to be one of the most difficult equipment replacements for SVRSFD, as vendors and fire
company’s limited willingness to provide sea trials to the committee. The committee spent many months
searching for sea trials and had to travel to numerous locations to find and experience what we felt our
citizens would benefit from the most for this new vessel. I could not be prouder of this team and this new vessel. She will provide a great service for the next 20-30 years!” - No Excuses, Only Results Committee Chairman, Clifton Buchanan – SVRFD Life Member

Fireboat 3 Replacement committee:
Committee Chairman: Clifton Buchanan - Life Member
Assistant Chairman: Ryonn Taylor - Life Member
Department Chief: Jonathan Dalrymple
Assistant Chief: Joseph Ford Sr. - Past Chief and Life Member
President: Terry Anderson
Deputy Chief of EMS  Richard Hargrave
Bernie Shea – Past Chief, President and Life Member
Thomas Moore- Past Chief and Life Member
MetalCraft Marine Sales Representative- Bob Clark

 
Attachments:
Attachment Firestorm 36 intercepter .pdf  (1,383k)
 

Hank Schlenker December 09, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Great effort, Fireboat 3 Replacement Committee!