First launch: new rescue boat for Collingwood Fire Department hits water today

Collingwood Fire Department launched its custom-made rescue boat for the first time today (Sept. 2). 

Fire Chief Ross Parr was first to step on board as it was put into the water at the Collingwood Harbour. Deputy Fire Chief Dan Thurman was second on board. 

The boat will be kept at the Collingwood harbour where it will be ready for trained firefighters to use to respond to any emergency rescue calls. It can be used for rescuing boaters in distress and can also be used to fight fires on the water. 

The boat was built in Parry Sound by Stanley Boats, which also built vessels for Innisfil and Barrie fire departments. 

Collingwood Fire Department's new rescue boat was part of the 2020 budget, which set aside $90,000 for the purchase. An anonymous resident expressed their thanks to the fire department for a past rescue by also donating $25,000 toward the new boat.