PRESS RELEASE
CANANDAIGUA, New York – The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the delivery of our new fire rescue boat, a project that has been in the works for several years thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of our team. This state-of-the-art vessel is the first of its kind on Canandaigua Lake, marking a significant milestone in enhancing public safety on the water.
The new fire rescue boat is equipped with modern technology to ensure safe navigation through the water, along with a 1,250 gallon-per-minute pump and twin Honda 225 outboard engines. These features will enable the Cheshire Fire Department to respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, and anyone in need on the lake.
“We are extremely excited to introduce this fire rescue boat to our community,” said Fire Chief Chris Brown. “This initiative has been years in the making, and we’re confident it will greatly enhance our ability to protect and serve on Canandaigua Lake.”
Our department is responsible for protecting 13 miles of Canandaigua Lake, from the Canandaigua city line into the town of South Bristol, which represents the largest water district on the lake. With this new addition to our fleet, we are better equipped to respond to emergencies, ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and provide crucial assistance to anyone in need on the lake.
Assistant Chief Matt LaFave, who led the efforts of this build, added, “This project represents a great step forward for our department, and it’s a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our entire team. The delivery of this boat marks the end of a nearly 10-year project, and over 20 years of discussion. This fire rescue boat will be a resource that will serve for generations. And although it says ‘Cheshire’ on it, we see this as a resource that serves all departments and towns that are part of the Canandaigua Lake community. This boat will be in service for all of us.”
The Cheshire Fire Department is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of those we serve. With this new boat, we can respond more quickly to water-based emergencies and deliver life-saving support in situations where every second counts. Firefighters will be familiarizing themselves with the new equipment on this boat over the winter months, with additional training on its operations in the spring. The boat is set to be in service by the summer of 2025.
Senator Pam Helming shared her support for the initiative: “The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to emergencies in the Towns of Canandaigua and South Bristol and, when needed, in our surrounding communities. The CVFD service area includes several miles of densely populated shoreline and a busy recreational area of Canandaigua Lake. Having access to a fire suppression boat will allow the CVFD to assist with shore-based fire containment and safety efforts, as well as respond to water emergencies. As a State Senator, my top priority is public safety. I will always be a strong advocate for our fire departments, members of law enforcement, and first responders. It was a pleasure to work with the CVFD leadership team, including Chief Chris Brown and President Rick Roxin, to secure this important piece of equipment.”
President Rick Roxin emphasized the impact of this new addition: “The acquisition of the fire boat takes Cheshire VFD’s capabilities to a whole new level. We welcomes the responsibility that comes with protecting those on Canandaigua Lake and responding to calls for service.”