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Special Feature


Photos by Britton W Crosby

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Original Feature Posted April 26, 2004 - Re-launched January 28, 2012
Updated December 16, 2020

Philadelphia Fire Boats 1 - Overview  
Phily Fire Boats 2 - Old Boats   Phily Fire Boat 3 - New Boats
 

PHILADELPHIA - FIRE BOATS 3 - THE NEW BOATS

Philadelphia - Marine Units
"Liberty" "Edward A Waters" "Independence"
The three newest of the Philadelphia Fire Department's Marine Units are shown
at the Marine Unit 1 dock at the USCG pier. The big boat "Independence" on the right
was built in 2007 by Derecktor in Bridgeport, CT. The two newest boats are also
shown at the dock. Marine Unit 4 "Liberty" and Marine Unit3 "Edward A Waters"
are twin 2019-2020 Viking Welding FR-36-LC 36 foot long aluminum landing craft style
fast boats with 1500 gpm pumps.
(Newest photos courtesy of Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Dec 2020)

Philadelphia - Marine Unit 1
"Independence"
2007 Derecktor 66' Fireboat
5500 gpm - 200 gals AFFF
Aluminum hull with draft of only about 2.5 feet
Powered by (4) Detroit series 60 diesels capable of approx 35 knots
Jet drive propulsion
First new fireboat commissioned by Philadelphia Fire Department in 57 years.
Derecktor Shipyards built Independence in Bridgeport, CT.
(photos B Crosby July 2009)

The "Independence" in December 2020
(Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Dec 2020)

 

PHILADELPHIA MARINE UNIT 1
The current home of the Philadelphia Marine 1 Fireboats is at the USCG facility located
at One Washington Ave and South Christopher Columbus Blvd on the Delaware River. 

The Philadelphia Fire Boat "Independence" launched July 2007 from Derecktor Shipyard Bridgeport, CT.
It is 66' LOA, with 20' beam, and 2'8" draft. The vessel is jet drive and can travel at speeds of
up to 32 mph. It can pump 5500 gpm and is equipped with an elevating tower and nozzle.
(Photo courtesy of Derecktor Shipyard)
Nov 2007

Marine Unit 1 also has a 16' inflatable

Across the river on the Jersey shore at Camden is the Battleship New Jersey.

Modern electronics and controls in pilot house

Pump Panel

The 1950 fireboat "Franklin" still serves as Marine 2 in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Marine 2 the 1950 "Franklin" continues to serve on the Schuylkill River.
2012 photo

THE NEW FASTBOATS

The newest boats in the Philadelphia Fire Department's Marine Unit.
Both are 2019-2020 Viking Welding FR-36-LC 36' aluminum landing craft style fast boats
with triple 300 hp Evinrudes and 1500 gpm pumps.
Marine Unit 3 "Edward A Waters" will be assigned with Marine 1.
Marine Unit 4 "Liberty" will be assigned with Marine 2 the "Franklin."
(Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Dec 2020)
 

Philadelphia - Marine Unit 3
"Edward A. Waters"
2020 Viking Welding FR-36-LC
36' Landing Craft style Fireboat
Powered by (3) Evinrude 300 hp outboards
Darley 1500 gpm pump
Kohler 7.5 kw generator
The boat is named "Edward A Waters" in memory of the first foreman
on the first Philadelphia fireboat.
MARINE UNIT 3 EXPECTED TO BE ASSIGNED TO MARINE 1
on the Delaware River.
Viking Welding is located in Kensington, NH.
(PHOTOS Thanks to Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Oct & Dec 2020)

(Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Dec 2020)
 

(Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Oct 2020)
 

Philadelphia - Marine Unit 4
"Liberty"
2019 Viking Welding FR-36-LC
36' Landing Craft style Fireboat
Powered by (3) Evinrude 300 hp outboards
Darley 1500 gpm pump
Kohler 7.5 kw generator
The boat is named "Liberty." 
MARINE UNIT 4 EXPECTED TO BE ASSIGNED TO MARINE 2
on the Schuylkill River.
Viking Welding is located in Kensington, NH.
(PHOTOS Thanks to Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Oct 2020)

"Liberty" Marine Unit 4
(Philadelphia Lt Christopher Wynne Dec 2020)
 

Philadelphia Fire Boats 1 - Overview  
Phily Fire Boats 2 - Old Boats   Phily Fire Boat 3 - New Boats

 

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Britt Crosby
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