"Fireboat FIREFIGHTER Museum" is Alive

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We were sitting in a diner over 2 yrs ago and trying to decide if we should go after this project. One of the poeple present says to the rest of us "Why are you going to waste your time, its a pipe dream. this will never happen" We never gave up hope and followed the light at the end of the tunnel. We devoted countless hours at meetings with just the new board planning our next move and at the FDNY showing them we can and will do this project. This was a grass roots, roll up your sleeves and no outside help kind of project.
Over 2 yrs and a dream, the last 6 months with our heart in our mouth and the last month praying for the answer we wanted to hear, which was yesterday and a YES, we have the boat and the dream is alive. A peice of NY history will be saved and will be alive in NY harbor for the residents to marval at.
Any active or retired member who would like to have a hand in this project, please send me an email.
we are going to be looking for members who have some marine backround and others who just like to get thier hands dirty and spend a day on a historic boat. If you can do Word or Excel, work a website, handle a wrench, paint, run wire, or just want to learn how a diesel runs, Please join us.

 

[68jk09]

Best of luck w/this project....Thanks for keeping FDNY History alive.

 

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On Monday Oct 15, 2012, the historic FDNY fireboat "FIREFIGHTER" will become the Fireboat FIREFIGHTER Museum. FFM for short. It was a long time in coming, but we got there.
Our first order of business will be to prepare the vessel for a trip south to the Yank Marine shipyard. There she will be getting her bottom cleaned and inspected. Sandblasting and painting follow. We plan to keep her on land for the winter, and restart working on her topside in the spring.  
  Many of her former crew and officers have joined us in this adventure to keep the boat alive. Through our Facebook page we have made contact with many people who love this boat.
  I want to thank all those who in the department helped us in Aquiring the boat and gave us guidance in many ways.
  We want to thank the firefighters, engineers and pilots of Marine One and  Marine Nine for their efforts. We want to thank Marine Six at the navy yard for their hospitality when we came to look at the boat. I personally want to thank Chief of Marine Ops Dalton and  LT. Chris Walsh for their insight and trust in us to keep the Fighter safe.
 Any member interested in helping keep a national treasure alive, 
Please friend us on Facebook, or sent us an email.
More news to follow!!!

Jeffrey L. Jonap
Director Of Operations
Fireboat FIREFIGHTER Museum
FFM1213@aol.com

 

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Short note on today's activites on the "Fighter"
I was joined by CME Ronnie W. ,and ASST ME Donnie P today. We ran both engines, turned over the props, ran the bilge pump, tested steering, bells and the horn works too. We fired up the radar, electronic compass, radios and sounded the fore and aft fuel tanks. FDNY Pilot Bobby S. lent is insight to all things on the Firefighter wheelhouse.
A very productive and great day on board. We want to thank Marine 6 as always for thier hospitality and help.
Still looking for active and retired members who love the "Fighter" to come on board.

 

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The Firefighter is still in the navy yard, looking for a new home. It made it throught Sandy with the help of Marine 6. We thank them as always for thier support.
We are looking at possible new homes for the boat. We recieved the drydock plans from Cadells drydock, much thanks to them. We are still loooking for a place to do the work, which at this point may be  in the spring. Anyone have a real big back yard?
Did marine survey. Much thanks to marine 9 for thier help that day.
Facebook has 111 members, real nice. Please join us there if you care about the boat and want the most up to date info.
Again thanks to Chief Dalton and LT Walsh as always for thier support.
Comments and Help always welcome. Send an email or just post here.
More news to follow, Thanks for your support.