Area first responders are hoping to make a splash with their latest acquisition: a new boat designed to increase response capabilities on our waterways.
The 21-foot SJX ultralight aluminum jet boat is designed to operate in the shallowest of conditions, including water levels approaching two inches.
The Clackamas Fire Swift Water Rescue Team is a highly trained team of firefighters who respond to water-related emergencies using advanced rescue techniques and equipment.
The team is also a participating member of the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium, which includes water rescue professionals from many of the different fire departments, law enforcement agencies and districts in Clackamas County.
Regional service is provided throughout Clackamas County including the Clackamas and Willamette rivers.
The team has been trained on the new boat, which is now in service and will be housed at Station 19 in Damascus.
Clackamas Fire requested funding back in 2018 from the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program through the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, which is used to build up emergency infrastructure and improve emergency response.
As part of the SPIRE grant, the boat can be called on to respond to flood emergencies throughout the state in addition to local response. Although the State of Oregon purchased the apparatus, Clackamas Fire is responsible for its maintenance, staffing, and response.