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Photo of the Week: Sinking a fire boat for a good cause

A former Baltimore fire boat continues to be of service as an artificial reef

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Delaware DNREC/Facebook

Calling all fire photographers:

FireRescue1 wants to see your pictures! The next time you come across something inspiring, take out the camera and submit it to FireRescue1! Just remember to include your name, agency information and brief background information on the picture.


By FireRescue1 Staff

SLAUGHTER BEACH, Del. — A former Baltimore fireboat has begun a new chapter of public service as the latest addition to an artificial reef off the coast of Delaware.

Commissioned in 1960, the 86-foot Mayor J. Harold Grady was one of three modern fireboats built by Jakobson Shipyard, boasting a 6,000-gallon-per-minute pumping capacity. It played a key role in the 1968 Baltimore Inner Harbor fire and remained in service until 2007.

This month, the Grady became one of the latest additions to Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system last month in Redbird Reef.

Delaware’s 14 permitted artificial reefs, established in 1995, use clean materials, boats, and subway cars to create habitats that boost recreational fishing, diving, and tourism.

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