New Boat Enhances MFD Lake Rescue Capabilities

The Madison Fire Department recently acquired a new 24-foot rescue boat from Lake Assault Boats, LLP in Superior, WI. 

This rescue boat will improve all aspects of our Lake Rescue Team’s response to incidents on the water.

The Lake Assault™ boat is equipped with a Lowrance™ GPS, radar, underwater sonar, and an infrared camera.

These new systems will greatly increase our ability to operate after dark and in low visibly conditions such as fog or severe storms. 

The boat has a landing craft-style bow door to allow for easier access to a person in the water and is equipped with twin 150 hp outboards for quick responses. 

It also has a fire pump that can flow up to 500 gallons per minute, which allows us to quickly respond to boats and other inaccessible locations to extinguish fires. 

The boat is housed at Station 1 and is anticipated to go into service in the spring, just after the ice melts from area lakes.

This post was authored by Denise DeSerio with contributions by Division Chief Tim Mrowiec and Captain Nate Franke.