By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Long Beach this week officially welcomed a second, new fireboat, Vigilance, in a ceremony dedicated to the late Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Dr. John Kashiwabara, the first Japanese American to serve on the board.
Vigilance, along with fireboat Protector, will be able to meet the needs of larger vessels now calling at the port.
“A capable fleet of fireboats that bring the best modern technology has to offer is essential in minimizing loss and maximizing business continuity for the port,” said Long Beach Fire Chief Mike DuRee. “These amazing vessels will help us better serve the Port of Long Beach.”
Each boat has 10 water cannons that pump out more than 41,000 gallons per minute (four times more than the older fireboats they replaced) and can shoot water as far as two football fields, and taller than a 20-story building, according to the port.
“These fireboats are technological marvels, able to turn on a dime, move sideways and throw water or foam anywhere on the world's largest container ships and oil tankers,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “They are vital to ensure the flow of commerce, and important parts of the best-in-nation services we provide our customers.”
