Rescue boat streamlines Warren Fire Department's capabilities | News, Sports, Jobs

Staff Photo/Chris McBride Warren Fire Chief Ken Nussle highlights the equipment and rescue capabilities of the department's new 25-horsepower fire and rescue boat.

WARREN — Another form of transportation has arrived in town to perform rescues in the Mahoning River.

Warren Fire Chief Ken Nussle introduced the arrival of a new fire and rescue boat that enhances the department's emergency response capabilities.

Since the vessel's arrival, Nussle said fire crews have been training with the $16,000 watercraft, which was funded after the Warren City Council approved the allocation last year. The boat will give firefighters the ability to respond to emergency operations in the city's waterways.

Nussle said his department doesn't often respond to such incidents, but said he gives them the means to respond if incidents occur in bodies of water like the Mahoning River.

The fire chief said some crew members would use the vessel, but all department firefighters receive in-house training from fire service instructors to respond to emergencies if any of those crew members The crew was absent.

The 25-horsepower boat is equipped with first aid kits, throw bags, paddles, life jackets and rescue ropes to throw to those in need of rescue.