Crime & Safety

Champagne Smashed, Greenwich's $600K Vessel #139 is Official

Jill Tesei smashed the bottle of champagne, splashing Greenwich's new $600K vessel. The boat has C-Chemical, B-Biological, R-Radiological, N-Nuclear and E-Explosive detection systems, and a pressurized cabin.

The Town of Greenwich officially commissioned Public Safety Vessel #139 with the crack of the champagne bottle by Jill Tesei, the wife of First Selectman Peter Tesei.

The ceremony was held on Sunday morning at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club and the program was officiated by Retired Lt. Thomas Keegan. The National Anthem was sung by the Hamilton Avenue School chorus, and was followed by the Greenwich Police Department Honor Guard in the presentation of the colors. The Invocation was issued by Police Chaplain Emeritus Rev. Daniel F. Hickman, Sr. 

Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes both spoke as did First Selectman Tesei and Chief Heavey.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the $6009,000 vessel made a dramatic entry into Greenwich Harbor, demonstrating its maneuverability, while spraying thousands of gallons of water from its two fire monitors, according to a release from Lt. Kraig Gray.

Police Chaplain Reverend Thomas L. Nins lead the blessing for the new vessel. The new $600,000 state of the art vessel was purchased through a 2008 Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and Port Security Grant. It was designed as a multi-agency platform for Police, EMS, Fire and Dive Operations.

And as required by Grant, is a Regional, State and Federal asset that can be called upon during declared states of emergency. The vessel is equipped with (CBRNE) C-Chemical, B-Biological, R-Radiological, N-Nuclear and E-Explosive detection systems, as well as a pressurized cabin for the protection of the crew. Additionally the vessel has a dedicated patient berthing area for emergency care and treatment.

The Port Security Grant Program came about as a response to Post 911 assessments to provide communities the best available equipment to assist as force multipliers in catastrophic events both manmade and natural. Public Safety Vessel #139 will provide the residents of the Town of Greenwich and those who travel through the waters years of service in security, safety and rescue operations.



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