Rescue boat for EFR is an easy choice
June 25, 2009
By Administrator
Editorial:
When we learned that Eastside Fire and Rescue staff wanted funding for a boat, our first thought was, ‘they don’t have one already?’
The purchase of a rescue boat, so that firefighters can help people caught in the raging waters, should be a priority, not a matter of debate. EFR’s coverage area is crisscrossed with fast flowing rivers, streams and deep lakes, both of which are prone to flooding more often than not.
Right now, firefighters use a boogie board (a boogie board!) or a tossed life preserver to rescue people stranded in icy water. Lord help us all if they need to break out the water wings.
Even in tight budget times, there are some costs that are necessary; need-to-have items, not want-to-have items. The boat falls into the former category.
To make the decision even easier, EFR officials have hinted that a 14-foot inflatable raft might be donated. EFR tax collections would surely be able to cover maintenance costs and staff training time on a donated piece of life-saving equipment.
This isn’t to say that all of the boats EFR officials are considering are necessary right now. While a raft to use in rescue situations is necessary, the discussed fleet of up to three larger watercraft is probably too much.
EFR officials recognize this, and, quite responsibly, are asking for the smallest, cheapest piece of equipment that can do the job.
We understand some members of the EFR Board of Directors are hesitant to purchase much of anything in this economic climate. Their fiscal prudence serves everyone. But the idea of continuing the past practice of borrowing a citizen’s boat as needed falls apart rather easily — let’s hope he’s not on vacation during the next emergency.
Sooner or later, a new boat will save someone’s life, making the cost of training a moot point.
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