Christmas came early for the Easthampton Fire and Police Departments last month when Williston donated a new rescue boat to the city. Easthampton officially accepted the gift at a city council meeting on Dececmber 21, 2016.

The boat, a 14-foat inflatable with a 25-horsepower outboard motor, will replace a time worn aluminum craft. According to Easthampton Fire Chief David Mottor, the old craft dates back to1953 and has sprung leaks.

Mottor added that the old dinghy was not designed for rescue operations, and that its high sides

made pulling people from the water difficult.

The new vessel, according to Mottor, will facilitate and speed water rescues. “The new boat has a lower profile, it’s lighter, and it can be brought to the water’s edge anywhere. We don’t have to use the boat launch, which will reduce our response time,” the fire chief told reporters.

Easthampton Police and Fire Departments will use the boat for operations including rescues, law-enforcement, or spill-cleanup in the town’s waterways on Nashawannuck Pond, the Connecticut River Oxbow, and the Manhan River.

Easthampton mayor Karen Cadieux said she and Williston representatives worked together to decide what gift might best aid the community.

“This is the perfect item,” Cadieux commented. “It serves the police department, the fire department, Williston, and the entire city of Easthampton.”

Mr. McCullagh, Chief Financial Officer at Williston, delivered the boat to the Easthampton Fire Department on December 20, 2016.

“Williston works to be a good partner for the town of Easthampton, and we are happy to support its rescue operations by providing this equipment,” McCullagh remarked.

Robert Alberti, the Easthampton Police Chief, said the gift was a much-needed addition. “We’ve had to ask to borrow a boat to render services,” he explained. “We look forward to using the boat for the betterment of the community.”