District launches firefighting boat

Iona-McGregor Fire District Commissioner Dee Rickard christens The John Becker, as is customary for new vessels that will be out on the water.

Seafarers in the Iona-McGregor Fire Protection and Rescue Service District are resting easy because a recent addition to the fire department will be keeping their boats and docks safer.

The district recently christened and launched the Iona 70, a 32-foot vessel with a 550 horsepower diesel engine and the ability to pump 1,000 gallons of water a minute.

"It fills a need that was previously not met along the Caloosahatchee waterway," said Chief William Elliott, about the vessel that pumps water at 150 pounds per second from two pumps. "With this boat we can get to a fire quickly and stop it before it gets out of control."

Iona 70, which was built in 1999, has the ability to get into waterways that are just two feet deep thanks to its jet drive capabilities.

"It weights 16,000 pounds and withstands all types of weather, which is important especially in narrower areas," said Wayne Ludington, the department's head Emergency Vehicle Technician.

The boat holds 120 gallons of fuel.

Ludington spent the last two years transforming the Iona 70 from a ferry vessel used for oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico to a fire fighting boat.

"It's a very solid boat and you can bump it into things and it doesn't crack," Ludington said.

The boat's sturdiness and strength prompted the department to christen the Iona 70 "The John Becker" after a fellow firefighter who passed away three years ago.

"John Becker was a good man, and this vessel's being strong and sturdy is just how John was," said Chief Chad Jorgensen, who became a firefighter with Becker. "We wanted to name it after him and show that we haven't forgotten."

The John Becker will be stationed at the Fort Myers' Boat Club on McGregor and will carry a minimum of four crew members year-round.

"It will be part of the Marine Emergency Response Team and will head out to the Gulf if necessary," Elliott said about the boat that will work with multiple agencies including the City of Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Sanibel in emergencies. "We have so many marinas in this area that if one boat is on fire, it's not long before more are."

The vessel was purchased for less than $1000,000 and is now worth at least $200,000, Ludington said.