Napoleon Fire and Rescue has received their new water and ice rescue airboat. Fire Chief O’Brien said “I am proud that our department can provide a level of safety to our many boaters who frequent the Maumee River.  Boaters can feel safer knowing we have the ability to help them in their time of need.” The airboat allows the ability to launch in water or on land and can travel over many different surfaces like water, ice, and land. It is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide which allows rescuers the ability to work from a stable platform with the room to rescue many victims if needed.  Fire Chief O’Brien states that “This airboat will provide a much safer operation for our personnel and the victims being rescued.” 

Airboats do not have operating parts submerged allowing it to go on shallow water, deep water, land, snow, and icy conditions.  The 450 horsepower motor allows movement over obstacles that could be encountered.  A crucial item built in is a step system that lowers and raises in the front to assist in rescues and loading.

The airboat was manufactured in the USA by Diamondback Airboats. The airboat was purchased from the state bid contract for $59,000.00.  please see our fleet page  to see more about Napoleon Fire and Rescues fleet.