An article in the Herald News mentions the Joliet, Lockport, and Channahon Fire Departments coming together to purchase a new fire boat for the Des Plaines River in Will County.

The Joliet City Council this week agreed to contribute $15,000 to the purchase of a 30-foot emergency boat that would be shared by fire departments along the Des Plaines River.

The Lockport Fire Protection District is the lead agency in the boat purchase, which is primarily funded by a federal grant.

The $625,000 boat will be shared by Will County fire departments that serve areas along the Des Plaines River.

Joliet Fire Chief Joseph Formhals said the boat will prove useful for the department’s dive team in river rescues.

But the boat also is equipped with a fire pump and can be used for controlling emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials.

The complete article can be found HERE.