FCFD receives $20k to purchase new rescue boat

CUMMING - Forsyth County's Fire Station 15 covers eight miles of the Chattahoochee River, the Etowah River and the waters of Lake Lanier. The rivers and lake offer a playground for water activities; however, visitors are often unaware of the dangers of the swift current. Due to the heavy water traffic in the area, Forsyth County Fire is often called upon to perform water rescues. While the county has a highly-trained swift water rescue team, it lacks a rescue boat to maneuver in shallow and quickly moving waters.

CSI Insurance Agency, Inc. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company are partnering to donate $20,000 to the Forsyth County Fire Department to purchase a new rescue boat so crews can perform water rescues in the region.

The new boat is able to operate in as little as four inches of water and is outfitted to transport fire department swift water rescue technicians and emergency divers to remote areas very quickly.

"Typically, those visiting the area for fishing, boating or tubing are unaware of the dangers associated with the quickly rising waters resulting from the daily releases from Lake Lanier through Buford Dam and get into trouble quickly," said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. "The new rescue boat will improve our response time, and allow us to make more effective water rescues."

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has issued grants to more than 1,500 different departments totaling more than $26 million. Independent insurance brokers that sell Fireman's Fund products, like CSI Insurance Agency, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

"In an emergency, timing is everything," said John Carr with CSI Insurance Agency. "We are happy to make this donation so Forsyth County firefighters can safely and quickly perform water rescues."