Why America’s most decorated fireboat is searching for a new home

America’s Fire Boat Fire Fighter seeks new home after 2026

Historic vessel prepares for relocation

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum has announced that America’s Fire Boat, Fire Fighter, is preparing for relocation as her time at Mystic Seaport Museum concludes in 2026.

The National Historic Landmark, described as one of the most decorated firefighting vessels in the US, is seeking a new permanent home to continue her role as a museum and educational attraction.

Since arriving at Mystic Seaport Museum in 2021, thousands of visitors have boarded Fire Fighter to learn about her history and service.

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum said the move offers a rare opportunity for a host community or organisation to welcome an iconic vessel with deep historical and cultural value.

Vessel restored with more than $1 million in grants

Fire Fighter has been restored to her original condition thanks to grants and donations exceeding $1 million.

The funding was provided by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Save America’s Treasures and other contributors.

The museum said the vessel can now travel to her next location fully overhauled and ready for public display.

At 134 feet long, Fire Fighter requires dock facilities that provide both stability and safe access for visitors.

According to the museum, the ship presents a valuable tourism opportunity capable of enhancing waterfront destinations while serving as an educational exhibit.

James W. Tomes, Chief Executive Officer of Telgian and Board Member of the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum, said: “Fire Fighter is known as America’s Fireboat because she embodies courage, service, and resilience.
“It’s about giving future generations a place to connect with American history in a tangible, inspiring way.”

Record of service across major national events

Commissioned in 1938, Fire Fighter is recognised as the most award-decorated fireboat in the world.

When she was decommissioned in 2010, she was the second-oldest fireboat still in frontline service globally and the longest-serving member of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Marine Unit Fleet.

During the Second World War, Fire Fighter protected ammunition ships bound for Europe and responded to incidents including the SS Normandie fire, the El Estero explosion and other major harbour emergencies.

In 1974, she received the Gallant Ship Award for her work during the Sea Witch and Esso Brussels collision and fire beneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 1973.

On 11 September 2001, Fire Fighter operated continuously for three weeks, pumping water from New York Harbor to supply firefighters at Ground Zero after the destruction of hydrants and water mains.

In January 2009, she also assisted in rescuing passengers following the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River.

The museum said Fire Fighter remains the only fireboat ever to receive the Gallant Ship Award since its establishment in 1944.

Invitation for communities to host the vessel

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum said it is seeking proposals from communities, maritime organisations and civic leaders interested in providing a safe and suitable long-term berth for Fire Fighter.

Charlie Ritchie, President of the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum, said: “Her legacy is about much more than firefighting.
“It embodies courage, resilience, and American history.”

The museum added that the next host location will have the opportunity to become part of a living legacy that continues to educate the public about maritime history, engineering and public safety.

Communities and organisations interested in partnership or preservation opportunities are encouraged to contact the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The relocation of America’s Fire Boat Fire Fighter is relevant to professionals in marine firefighting, maritime safety and heritage preservation.

Fire Fighter’s operational record demonstrates the evolution of marine firefighting technology and its role in major emergencies, including wartime harbour protection and post-9/11 response operations.

For fire service training officers and museum educators, the vessel provides a practical model for interpreting historical firefighting methods and equipment.

Maritime authorities and port safety managers may also find relevance in the vessel’s restoration, which highlights the importance of maintaining historic response assets that shaped modern firefighting practice.

America’s Fire Boat Fire Fighter seeks new home after 2026: Summary

America’s Fire Boat, Fire Fighter, will leave Mystic Seaport Museum in 2026 after five years as a public exhibit.

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum announced plans to find a new permanent home for the 134-foot vessel, which has been restored using more than $1 million in grants.

The National Historic Landmark is considered one of the most decorated firefighting vessels in US history and the longest-serving member of the Fire Department of New York Marine Unit Fleet.

Fire Fighter’s service record includes key events such as World War II operations, the Sea Witch and Esso Brussels fire, 9/11 response and the 2009 Hudson River aircraft rescue.

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum is inviting communities and maritime organisations to propose hosting the vessel as a museum and educational attraction.

This article contains information from the following source: Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum