New 'All-Hazard Response Boat' Necessary for Greenwich's Security

The Town of Greenwich Emergency Management Director applied to the federal government for a new state of the art, “All Hazard Response Vessel.” The vessel has been procured through a tier two Port Security Grant. The grant was offered by the Department of Homeland Security, to bolster the response and preparedness of the region, and to act as a “force multiplier” in Long Island Sound.

The following paragraph is copied directly from the US Coast Guard web site:

“In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Homeland Security became a U.S. defense priority, including the maritime security of America's "homeland waters" extending from our inland waters to the high sea. The Coast Guard works closely with Federal, State, Local and Industry authorities to ensure the security and integrity of the maritime domain through awareness, prevention, response, and consequence management. This maritime security effort includes monitoring and safeguarding ports, harbors, and waterways, various waterfront facilities including a nuclear power plant, bridges, vessels, personnel, and property from accidental or intentional damage, disruption, destruction or injury.”

To that end, the US Government has found that coastal Connecticut is lacking in its capability to assist the Coast Guard in its mission to ensure the security and integrity of Connecticut’s coast and infrastructure. Fairfield County Connecticut has been found deficient by federal authorities, in its ability to respond and safeguard the lives of its citizens in case of natural disaster, terrorist attacks, and other major incidents.

Subsequently, the United States Government has deemed it a priority, to equip and train officials within Fairfield County with state of the art public safety vessels and equipment. Six communities have been chosen to receive, by federal grant, public safety vessels.  These vessels will be equipped to fulfill the needs of the maritime security effort that the Federal Government through the Department of Homeland Security has deemed a priority. 

The Town of Greenwich has been chosen by the Federal Government to receive one of these All Hazards response vessels. This vessel will be utilized to supplement the patrol boats assigned to the Greenwich Police Department Marine Section. The vessel will be docked, operated and maintained by the Greenwich Police Department. Any annual upkeep and operational costs, which are not covered under federal grants, will be absorbed by the current police vessel account within the Greenwich Police Departments operations budget. The primary use of this vessel will be for police patrol operations. It will be utilized to provide public safety and give support to local state and federal agencies. It will be used to ensure the security and integrity of the Town of Greenwich coastal waters, and will be equipped to respond to any maritime related mutual aid calls made by surrounding agencies. Many citizens are not aware that under state law, the Town of Greenwich is mandated to assist other agencies within Connecticut as well as New York State if called upon. The acquisition of this vessel will not change Greenwich’s responsibility to respond if help is requested.

The Port Security Grant, under which these funds have been assigned, has allocated six hundred thousand dollars for the purchase of this all hazards response vessel. The Town of Greenwich will not be responsible for any part of the vessels cost. The Town of Greenwich will only be responsible for insurance and upkeep of the vessel.  To give a perspective on this cost, the upkeep of the current three police vessels have been approximately five percent of the their value over the past six years. With the replacement of our oldest vessel with this new vessel, the Greenwich Police Department expects the maintenance costs to remain close to the current budgeted amount.

The United States Government has completed studies of the preparedness and capabilities of the entire North East Coast. It has been determined that Fairfield County, and because of our location, the Town of Greenwich in particular, is in need of a better equipped public safety vessel. The Greenwich Police Department Marine Section has limited capabilities to combat some of the recent disasters, accidents and attacks taking place during this tumultuous time in our nations history.  This new vessel will have equipment to help keep public safety personnel safe and enable the Town of Greenwich to render aid and assistance in ways we cannot currently do.   This new vessel will be equipped with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive detection and protection systems.  This “All Hazards Response Vessel”, will be equipped with fire fighting capabilities as well as a patient birthing area for the treatment and transportation of medical and or Trauma victims. The vessel with be used as a dive platform for search rescue and recovery operations, as well as have a hydraulic hoist for patient and property recovery.  In addition the vessel will be equipped with the most modern electronics and navigation equipment.

Public safety and preparedness is paramount. The availability of six hundred thousand dollars to purchase a vessel of this caliber may never occur again.  The Federal Government recognizes that this equipment is needed and has waived the traditional 75/25 percent funding, and has agreed to pay 100 percent of the cost.  The Town of Greenwich should seize this opportunity and accept this grant.

Sgt. Jim Bonney
Section Supervisor, Greenwich Police Marine Section
President, Silver Shield Association
First Selectman’s Coastal Resource Advisory Committee
RTM District 4 delegate
Budget Overview Committee