Dan McInerney of the Oak Park and Countryside Fire Departments passed along a link to the CFD website featuring updates on the new CFD fireboat.

The following information is from the link:


The Chicago Fire Department is acquiring a new NFPA Type III Fireboat to replace their 60 year old Fireboat, the Victor L. Schlaeger. The boat will be designed and built to operate year-round in Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and surrounding harbors. It will be used to respond to the firefighting, rescue, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive incidents (CBRNE), Hazmat decontamination, dive operations, and other waterway related responses.
Construction Progress  (6/11/2010)
Construction on the Chicago Fireboat is progressing on schedule. The majority of the hull structure has been assembled and the hull plating fitted. The aluminum deckhouse is being assembled simultaneously to the hull.
Construction Progress  (3/1/2010)
Construction on the Chicago Fireboat began in February 2010. The cut steel sections for the hull have been delivered to the boat yard and the boat’s hull structure is currently being assembled.
Contract Award  (8/3/2009)
A contract to build an NFPA Type III Fireboat for the City of Chicago was awarded to Hike Metal Products on June 20, 2009. Construction will begin in 2010 and the boat will be delivered in 2011.

Check the link HERE from time to time for CFD updates.