Clarksville Fire Rescue Department’s Fire Boat performs rescue during initial Voyage

Clarksville, TN – The maiden voyage of the Clarksville Fire Rescue Department’s new boat resulted in a rescue.

The new boat, purchased through a grant awarded to the City, was on its first training cruise on the river. Deputy Chief Howell Albright, Assistant Chief Michael Papke, Assistant Chief Randy Ellis, and Captain Mark Chandler were aboard and discovered a father with his two sons who were stranded on their boat last Thursday afternoon.

“They had just been out riding in their boat when it stopped running. They were stranded about two miles downriver from their launch point.  When we approached, they began waving their arms and calling for help. We tied their boat to the rescue boat and towed them to the Conservation Club,” Deputy Chief Albright said, describing the scene. “The new Fire Rescue boat doesn’t have any markings or seals on it yet. After we’d gotten them to safety the man turned to us and asked, ‘Who are you guys?’”

“I’m very proud but not at all surprised by the actions of our Fire Rescue Department members. This is just another example of their readiness to respond. We’re very fortunate to have the best Fire Rescue squad around,” said Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan. “This also provides an excellent example of the additional support our Fire Rescue team will be able to offer with the addition of the boat.”

More information about the boat will be provided in the next few weeks.