The Port of Long Beach recently celebrated the dedication of two state-of-the-art fireboat stations, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the port and its surrounding areas. During an open house event on Friday, March 1, 2024, media and guests were introduced to these critical additions to the Long Beach port waterfront, in the presence of public officials who lauded the project’s completion.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, in his remarks, emphasized the significant safety services these new fireboat stations will provide. Equipped with sophisticated facilities and emergency response capabilities, the stations are a testament to the city’s commitment to protecting the port, its valuable assets, and waterfront workers. This development arrives at a crucial time as the port experiences increased activity, including handling larger vessels and ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts.
The $109 million initiative, funded by Port revenues and approved by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners in 2017, signifies a major revamp of fire safety facilities and equipment within the harbor. Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, highlighted the project’s role in bolstering preparedness and resilience against emergencies, with Fireboat Stations 15 and 20, along with their fireboats, playing pivotal roles.
The fireboats, named “Protector” and “Vigilance,” are equipped to tackle a range of incidents, from vessel fires to search-and-rescue missions. They feature advanced capabilities, including 10 water cannons that can discharge up to 41,000 gallons of water per minute over distances up to 600 feet. Station 15, located in the port’s outer harbor, and Station 20, situated in the inner harbor, provide living quarters for firefighters, maintenance facilities for the fireboats, and have an expected lifespan of 50 years.
These stations not only mark an advancement in fire safety and emergency response but also reflect the Port of Long Beach’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Both stations achieved a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program, incorporating water-saving technology, green-power generation, energy-efficient appliances, and natural ventilation among other sustainable features.
The dedication of these fireboat stations underscores the Port of Long Beach’s proactive approach to safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring a lasting and positive impact on the capability to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
