Whether there is rain, sleet or snow, there are virtually no wintery acts of Mother Nature that will slow down Excelsior Fire District's new rescue machine. Minnesota winters can be brutal, and that's exactly why Excelsior is so excited about this new addition to the fire district.
The Minneapolis-area based department unveiled a new Hovercraft rescue boat at a ceremony Wednesday on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The formal dedication party was complete with the nautical tradition of breaking a bottle of champagne against the bow.
The new Hovercraft will allow the district to respond to emergencies on Lake Minnetonka at all times of the year. The boat rides on a layer of air and is a perfect rescue tool for lakes and other waterways that are partially frozen over and too unpredictable to ride or walk on.
The boat was purchased with a $34,000 grant from Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has awarded more than 900 grants to fire departments across the country totaling more than $17 million.
About Fireman's Fund
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products nationwide. Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman's Fund continues this mission today through the Fireman's Fund Heritage program. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world's largest providers of insurance and other financial services. It is rated 'A+' by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.
