PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT NEW FIREBOAT FLEET DEDICATION

"AN ERA ENDS AND A NEW ONE BEGIN"

On April 12, 2003, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Los Angeles Fire and Harbor Departments will hold a dedication ceremony for its new fleet of fireboats and mark the retirement of the four boats they will be replacing. This event will take place in the Port of Los Angeles at Berths 87 and 88.

The two Departments recently took delivery of four new fireboats. These new vessels are replacing four existing fireboats in their current fleet of five. The significance of this event is that it will be the first time such a large number of fireboats have been dedicated at one time and will mark the farewell of sorts for the pride of the fleet 78 year old Fire boat 2, the "Ralph J. Scott. It is also the culmination of a nine-year joint effort by the two City departments to upgrade fire and rescue protection in the Port.

Three of the new fireboats are identical 39-foot vessels capable of pumping up to 2500 gallons per minute. This is a significant improvement over the 34-foot fireboats they are replacing which have a pumping capacity of only 750 gallons per minutes. These new fireboats are also equipped with the latest technological advances in propulsion and navigation and serve as a dive platform for the Fire Department's scuba divers that perform both firefighting and water rescues in and around the Port. The retiring fireboats served the Port well responding to hundreds of boat fires, sinkings and rescues. Each was built locally in 1967.

The fourth new fireboat and the crown jewel of the fleet, is new Fireboat 2. This 105-foot vessel will also have state-of-the-art technology with the capability of pumping up to 38, 000 gallons per minute. It was designed with an extremely unique propulsion system, for a fireboat, allowing it to maneuver in ways that were unheard of in the past. There is also a dedicated area for patient treatment and care in the event of an at sea medical emergency.

This new fireboat is replacing a piece of history in the form of the Ralph J. Scott. The "Scott", built in 1925, is a registered historical landmark that has virtually been in uninterrupted service for 78 years. Her longevity is a testimony to her construction and the dedication of those who have served on her over the decades. Whether plowing through a wall of fire during the 1947 Markay tankship fire to supplying thousands of gallons of water at the 1972 and 1976 major Port incidents, the "Scott" has been steadfast in serving the Port in times of need. She has also been there to provide water displays welcoming visiting vessels, and symbolizing Los Angeles' vitality. She has undergone significant alterations during her life span, which have increased her pumping capacity from 13,500 gallons-per-minute to 18, 600 gallons-per-minute.

Sentiments and feelings of nostalgia will run high at this event. Top City, County and State officials are expected to be a part of this dedication ceremony as well as community leaders and organizations. The public is especially invited to witness this end of one era and beginning of a new one.

March 28, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Theresa Adams Lopez

         (310) 732-3507

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT TAKES DELIVERY ON
WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL FIREBOAT

SAN PEDRO, CA - On Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Fire Station 112 at the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the Port of Los Angeles will officially dedicate four brand new fireboats, one of which is the most powerful in the world, and retire four older boats. The ceremony featuring Mayor James Hahn, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, Port Executive Director Larry Keller, and Fire Chief William Bamattre will begin at 10:00 am and will include the largest multiple fireboat water display in Los Angeles history, exceeding 50,000 gallons of water per minute.

      "These new fireboats will provide additional security for the nation's busiest Port," stated Mayor James Hahn. "These new fireboats will use the latest marine firefighting technology to ensure public safety at the port and the surrounding community."

     The new boats include three, identical 39-foot aluminum-hulled fireboats and the 105-foot Fireboat #2, the world's most powerful fireboat. Each boat features the most modern marine firefighting technology, medical treatment areas, powerful engines and the fortitude to stand up to 24-hour use.

    "Today's fireboat delivery just adds to our contention that the Port of Los Angeles is the best monitored and best protected port in the country," said Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "Our communities should be comforted by the Fireboat Dedication knowledge that our firefighters have the most state-of-the-art, clean fuel equipment to keep this harbor safe and our air clean; and the entire region can rest assured that we are taking every possible step to ensure that this port is adequately equipped at all times."
New Fireboat #2 replaces the 78-year-old Ralph J. Scott on the Fire Department fleet. The Ralph J. Scott, which is the oldest frontline fireboat in the country, will be preserved as a historical monument, the details of which are still being determined.

      "From the public safety point of view," stated Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, "no other port fire agency in the world is better prepared to battle whatever emergency may come its way than the City of Los Angeles Fire Department at the Port of Los Angeles, particularly with this new state-of-the-art equipment."
"We are committed to providing the highest level of protection for the people and property at the Port of Los Angeles, and these new fireboats will allow us to fulfill that goal," commented Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre.

     The four new boats, at a total cost of $11.6 million, were paid for by the Port of Los Angeles and will be housed at strategic response locations around the Port of Los Angeles.
"The Port of Los Angeles is more than pleased to be able to provide these state-of-the-art vessels to the Fire Department," said Larry Keller, Port Executive Director. "We see it as a win for the Port's neighbors, visitors and customers."

     The new Fireboat #2 was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. In Vancouver, B.C., and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington. The three identical 39-foot fireboats were designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants and built by Kvichak Marine Industries, both out of Seattle. The companies were chosen for their expertise in and experience in building fireboats that are "built to last."

    Fire Station 112 is located at 6th Street and Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro.