WEEHAWKEN, NJ — Federal, state, county and local elected officials will join with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire departments and more to commemorate the creation of the Regional Fire Boat Task Force with a ceremonial “Blessing of the Fleet” event on Tuesday, May 1st at 11:00 a.m. The event will celebrate the creation of the Regional Fire Boat Task Force, which is the first of its kind in the nation, and honor maritime traditions by allowing local clergy to officially bless fire boats from each municipality as they parade up the picturesque Hudson River.

WHO: Federal, state, county and local elected officials

WHAT: Blessing of the Fleet Event

WHEN: Tuesday, May 1st at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Chart House Restaurant, 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken NJ

About the New Jersey Regional Fire Boat Task Force

The New Jersey Regional Fire Boat Task Force is an innovative shared services agreement that has been funded by a $1 million federal grant that has been used to establish a regional dispatching center. The program began operating in September 2017 and is greatly improving safety and efficiency in waterfront communities where it is in effect, including Edgewater, Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Newark, Kearny, Carteret, Elizabeth, Perth Amboy, Secaucus, and the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue municipalities of Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken and West New York. Each of these local fire departments are now receiving fire boat dispatching services from a central dispatch center. Additionally, purchases of fire boats in each of the municipalities has been funded by federal Port Security grants.

For any additional information please contact Philip Swibinski at 201-978-8651 or philip.swibinski@vmmi.net.

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