Historic fireboat awarded $165K grant from program targeted for elimination

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• Category: Fireboats
• Published on Sunday, 27 February 2011 08:22
• Written by Fyddeye Administrator
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The federal government has awarded the owners of the retired New York-based fireboat John J. Harvey a $165,955 grant to continue restorations efforts on the historic ship. According to the organization's February newsletter, the Save America's Treasures grant requires the non-profit organization to raise funds or in-kind donations to match the grant. "Thanks to the diligence and hard work of [staff members] Renee Lutz Stanley and Capt. Ann Loeding, we are among an elite group of recipients for this coveted award," the newsletter said.

Launched in 1931, the fireboat served in the New York Fire Department until 1994. Named for a firefighter killed in the line of duty, the fireboat assisted in several famous marine fires, including the Cunard Line pier fire in 1932, the burning of the liner Normandie in 1942, and the ammunition ship El Estero during World War II, according to the John J. Harvey website. The John J. Harvey was briefly brought out of retirement to assist the New York Fire Department in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The vessel's non-profit owners have been restoring the fireboat since 2000. Supporters can donate to the fireboat's restoration efforts on the website's donation page.

The federal Save America's Treasures program supports historic preservation efforts around the country. It is targeted for elimination in President Obama's fiscal 2012 budget, along with other preservation programs.