Donor buys dept. new boat

HURON — An anonymous donor covered all costs for a local police department to purchase a new police boat. During Tuesday's public meeting, Huron police Chief Terry Graham announced the donation and summarized the patrol boat's importance and impact. Following his breakdown, city council members unanimously approved the donation. Here's a summary of what he said: • The background: "Our marine patrol is a vital and very important component not only to the police department but also for the safety of our citizens, visitors and the boating community. Our marine patrol has been counted on multiple times for rescue operations and water emergencies throughout the years. Through educational boat inspections and patrols, the marine patrol program continues to keep our waterways in the city safe throughout the boating, fishing, and recreational seasons." • The problem: "Our current marine patrol boat is now over 26 years old, and we have outboard motors with around 3,500 hours, many of which are idling hours. Our boat already has been out of service several times this year because the outboard motors have been non-functional and not reliable, which has resulted in very expensive repairs." • The dead-ends: "I have contacted the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, about obtaining new outboard motors, and there are not any available. I have researched some grant opportunities, (but) grants are not a guarantee, and they are very competitive. Depending on the kind and size of outboard motors, to purchase new motors could cost up to $100,000, which is not included in the 2025 budget." • The donation: "I am so proud, honored and humbled to announce that an anonymous private donor has offered to purchase the Huron Police Department a brand new 2025 marine patrol boat." • The type: "The boat is an Alukin CW 750 aluminum utility boat with a centered enclosed cabin, valued at $200,000. The boat is being sold through Castaway Yacht Sales in Port Clinton. After a large discount from Castaway Yacht Sales, the final purchase price is $167,500 of which the anonymous private donor has agreed to totally fund. Additionally, the new marine patrol boat will be equipped with new state-of-the-art electronics and communications systems." • The person: "This anonymous private donor does not want to be identified or recognized. This person highly recognizes the extreme value and importance of our marine patrol program and for our police department to be equipped with the newest and best equipment available to perform our duties to the best of our abilities." • The funding: "This donation will not affect our annual marine patrol grant, and it will continue each year as the grant pays for overtime, maintenance, fuel, storage and dockage. The current marine patrol boat will be taken out of service at the end of the season and eventually sold." • The purpose: "I look forward to continuing to make our city, waterways and beaches as safe and enjoyable as possible through our marine patrol program." Graham thanked the donor, council members and project partners for making this entire process possible. "This boat's robust construction and proven performance make it an ideal choice for the demanding tasks of waterway patrolling and rescue operations," said Rick Lucas, owner of Castaway Yacht Sales. "We're excited to see it serve the Huron community and set a new standard for patrol vessels in the U.S."