Donated craft will aid firefighters with water rescues

Though they usually work with water, five Cape Girardeau firefighters spent time out on the water Thursday on two new rescue watercrafts that were donated to the department.

The vehicles were provided by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA through dealer Bootheel Buggies in Dexter, Mo.

"These were provided at no cost to the citizens of Cape Girardeau," said Fred Vincel, training officer. "The Kiwanis Club also provided support for incidental items, such as the trailers to go with the crafts. ... Our focus here is because of so much activity on the river, a rapid deployment for emergencies is crucial, whether medical situations or a stranded boat motorist."

Highly maneuverable

Department members became familiar with the crafts' handling by speeding them through a buoy obstacle course. The small crafts are highly maneuverable and stable in rough water. Top speed for the crafts is 60 mph. Thus, response time should be cut in half from what it is with the department's single motor boat. The crafts will soon be outfitted with baskets for hauling victims.

Capt. Ron Kistner, water patrol team leader, said members will train further in September at a class in Chesterfield, Mo., where they will receive national certification for water rescue.

When the warm weather ends, the department will return the crafts to the dealership and receive new ones next year as a continuation of the program.