The new Findley Lake fire rescue boat.

The Findley Lake Fire Department has spent $120,000 on a piece of equipment they hope they will never need to use, but has the potential to save many lives.

The new fire rescue boat, manufactured by Diamondback Air Boat of Coco, Fla., will allow the fire department to perform rescues on ice, in swampy areas, in shallow water, or even to fight fires on the lake, said Fire Chief Jack Hamilton.

The rescue boat has several features which will allow it to adapt to different emergency situations on and around the lake. The 540 hp air fan engine, coupled with the unique design, enables it to go where other boats cannot.

The front end of the boat can be lowered into the lake in order to facilitate water rescue. “There is a 3-foot section that lets down into the water to allow a person to slide up into the boat from the lake,” Hamilton said. “We also have a water pump on the boat to pump water directly from the lake to fight fires.”

The rescue boat was ordered in September and delivered in the spring. It was introduced to the community at the Findley Lake Bicentennial kick-off on April 27.

“It will be an asset to the community,” Hamilton said. “We hope we never have to use it, but it will be here if we do.” He noted that Bemus Point has three of these boats for use on Lake Chautauqua.

Diamondback boats are custom made in a 24,000 square foot facility, utilizing a four-step process — concept, design, build and launch. Ice rescue boats, such as the one in Findley Lake, have a structurally reinforced hull to withstand harsh ice conditions.

Hamilton said that at least 10 Findley Lake firefighters are training to use the boat. Also, some firefighters from other companies, such as Sherman, are sending personnel to be trained on it. “It’s very different than a regular boat. It doesn’t turn like a regular boat and there’s no reverse,” Hamilton said. “We took it out (June 4) and all the guys did pretty well. I was pleased with how the training turned out.”

Hamilton said that on Tuesday, Jay Irwin from the Stanley Hose Co. in Sherman, stopped by and was invited to go along on the training session. Irwin said he was grateful for the experience.

“I actually go to drive it,” he said. “I am glad they were able to purchase it. I think it could definitely come in handy. Luckily, accidents are few on Findley Lake, but now they will be properly equipped to respond.”