PERRYSBURG – Over the past several weeks, members of the Perrysburg Fire Division have been participating in boat operations and water rescue training on the Maumee River.

The division has a new, 14-foot inflatable boat that was added to its fleet last fall. This is the second rescue boat for the fire division.

“Since this is a new boat, we have to train everyone on how to use it and help them get used to maneuvering it on the river,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tom Granata.

 

Crews have been spending about two hours off-duty for the training, which involves taking turns driving the boat as well as conducting simulated water rescues.

The new boat is housed at fire station headquarters on Fort Meigs Road and can be used not only on the Maumee River but also in nearby ponds or other waterways that may be harder to access. It’s lighter than the division’s other boat and can be easily launched in and out of the water.