COLUMN: Mayor's view on Marine One

Mayor of Rowlett

Have you noticed the big red boat with double outboard motors and a water gun on Lake Ray Hubbard? That is Marine One, a fire and rescue boat that is owned and maintained by the City of Dallas Fire Rescue.

The boat is a 25 foot Sea Hawk with twin 200 horsepower Mercury engines. The boat is equipped with a 750 gallon per minute fire pump and deck gun. The craft is also equipped with a Forward Looking Infrared System (FLARE) and radar. The fire and rescue boat is moored at Captain’s Cove Marina.

During the summer months Dallas Fire Rescue conducts lake patrols and responds to emergency calls on Marine One during daylight hours. All other times, Marine One is operated by the City of Rowlett Fire Rescue to provide first emergency response service on the entire Lake Ray Hubbard as part of a reciprocal agreement with Dallas Fire Rescue. Emergency calls are responded to by Rowlett Fire Station 2, located on Dalrock Road. Rowlett Fire Rescue responded to 58 lake rescue calls on Marine One in 2007. So far in 2008, there have been 18 lake rescue calls. Since assuming the responsibility for first emergency response, Rowlett Fire Rescue has saved nine victims from sinking boats and watercraft accidents.

Last year in one incident, Marine One, manned by Rowlett firefighters, responded to an emergency call near Bass Pro Shops. Five men were in a small boat that capsized in high waves near the IH-30 bridge. The crew rescued two of the boaters who were clinging to the bridge pillars. Two others were able to swim to shore and safety. The fifth boater was in the water without a life jacket and slipping into the high waves. After several attempts, the Fire Rescue crew got him to the surface and on to the boat. All were given medical treatment.

In another recent incident, two fishermen capsized in high wind and waves. The men were making an attempt to swim to the IH-30 bridge when one had a heart attack and the other had to keep him above water while still attempting to make it to the bridge. Marine One encountered the men near the bridge and extracted them both. The Rowlett crew provided medical support while bringing the men to the Rockwall shore to meet Garland Fire Department ambulance for transport to the medical facility.

The next time you see the big red boat, Marine One, patrolling on Lake Ray Hubbard, ask for a cooling-off spray. You will get to see the powerful water gun and pumps in action! Be sure to thank these courageous men and women who are looking after us. Thanks also to the City of Dallas for sharing with the City of Rowlett. We are all working together to serve you! Be safe!

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