Bristol Fire Department fundraising for rescue boat

Bristol Fire Department fundraising for rescue boat

The Bristol Fire Department is currently fundraising to purchase a boat that they can use for water rescues. Firefighter Ken Bernard spoke with CHIP FM about the recent project and said that they’ve received several calls for boaters requiring assistance in the past couple years. In those instances they’ve had to borrow private watercraft.

The estimated cost for the Zodiac-style boat is pegged at $30,000 and Bernard said that they had already started fundraising, with their boot drive on July 3 bringing in just over $5,000. He added that they currently own some of the equipment needed to outfit the craft. Only one member of the department is trained in water rescues, but an additional 8 will be taking the course later this year.

Bernard said that while pandemic-fueled boat sales had made for busier waterways in the municipality, the increase in traffic hadn’t led to an increase in water rescue calls thus far.
Donations can be dropped off at the municipal hall or given directly Bernard or his fellow firefighters Tracey Moore or Darlene Wiggins. E-transfers can be sent to kbernard350@gmail.com.