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Manistique Public Safety adds rescue boat

MANISTIQUE — The Manistique Public Safety Department has added a rescue boat to its equipment inventory to enhance water rescue capabilities on Manistique’s beaches and the Manistique River. The rescue craft is a Zodiac ZMSR 380, specially designed for water rescue, frequently deployed in the high surf conditions of the West Coast of the U.S. and Australia. The Zodiac is powered by a 30 hp Evinrude Jet Pump engine and auxiliary lighting for night operations. The boat, motor, accessories, and trailer are valued at $17,600 and were purchased from Reed Yacht Sales, Lasalle, Mich.

The research and solicitation of funding for this rescue craft began in January, In May, the department received a $5,000 grant from Enbridge Energy and another $5,000 donation was received from former Manistique Mayor Jan Jeffcott, who is a avid kayaker, sports-person, and advocate of first responders protecting the citizens of Manistique and Schoolcraft County. The remaining funds for the project came from donations restricted for the purchase of law enforcement and rescue equipment from the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

This Public Safety water rescue unit and officers will be available for assistance to all Schoolcraft County first responders, including all local law enforcement and township fire departments. It should be noted there will be additional costs for this program, such as the purchase of dry suits, helmets, accessories for the officers and a docking platform for the vessel, which will be stored on the water, ready for immediate deployment at the Manistique Marina, Therefore, additional donations for the life saving program are welcome and may be made to the Manistique Public Safety Department, 300 N. Maple St., Manistique, Mich. 49854

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