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Historic New York City Fireboat Wins Special
National Award
Floating Museum Becomes Crucial Source of Water for
Trade Center Firefighters
Press Release
(Washington, D.C., Oct. 18, 2001) - Before September 11, the John J.
Harvey was a little-known piece of Americana docked at a New York
City pier. Launched in 1931, she served the N.Y. Fire Dept. for 63
years; after being decommissioned, she enjoyed a quiet life as a
floating museum. But when the World Trade Center towers collapsed,
the boat's owners and volunteers raced to her helm and took off. For
days, the Harvey and two other fireboats were the sole source of
water for firefighters on the scene.
For the painstaking restoration that kept the fireboat in working
condition, and for the bravery of the volunteers at the helm, the
National Trust for Historic Preservation today announced that the John
J. Harvey has won a special National Preservation Honor Award, to be
presented today at the 2001 National Preservation Conference in
Providence.
"The volunteers and owners who restored the John J. Harvey
appreciated its important role in the city's history," said Richard Moe,
president of the National Trust. "On September 11, so did the rest of
New York. Today, preservationists across the nation thank the brave
people who brought her back into service on that terrible day. It's not
often that an historic site plays such a pivotal role in an emergency
situation, but the Harvey passed the challenge with flying colors."
The John J. Harvey, which turned 70 last week, was once the most
powerful fireboat of its day, capable of the work of 20 fire engines at
once. After serving the New York City Fire Department for 63 years,
she was bought by private citizens who restored her and successfully
nominated her to the National Register of Historic Places. Until the
attacks, she spent her days hosting tours and taking public trips in
New York Harbor, staffed by volunteers.
The morning of September 11, the boat's volunteer crew sped
downtown by car, bicycle, speedboat and foot. When she first arrived
at the scene, the Harvey was met by 150 ash-caked survivors whom
she ferried to safety. Then, amid reports that all fire hydrants were
inoperable at the scene, she and two City fireboats pumped water
from the Hudson River into hoses relayed to the site. She would stay
for nearly a week.
"In spite of the tragic events that lead to this recognition, the owners,
volunteers and crew of John J. Harvey are very proud on behalf of
historic vessels throughout the United States to receive this splendid
award from the National Trust," said Chase Welles, president of the
group that restored the boat. "We hope it will bring greater attention to
the important role that historic vessels play in our nation's past and
present, and greater involvement of the broader preservation
community in their rescue and restoration everywhere."
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