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Anacortes accepts donated outboard and $25,000 FLIR gift for marine and fire boats
Summary
The Anacortes City Council accepted an outboard motor donation valued at over $19,000 for its rescue boat and approved a $25,000 donation from HF Sinclair to add a FLIR camera to a new fire boat, councilors said the gifts will extend operational capability for marine rescues and nighttime search.
Anacortes — The City Council on Feb. 9 accepted two industry donations intended to bolster the city’s marine response capabilities.
Chief Harris told the council that "Marine 29 is our current rescue boat and is approximately 30 years old" and that its "aged outboard has been requiring frequent repairs to stay in service." North Harbor Diesel offered parts and labor to replace the outboard; Chief Harris said the donation totaled "over $19,000," the installation was completed last month and the vessel has already responded to at least one emergency call.
Council also considered a $25,000 contribution from HF Sinclair to add a forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) camera to a new fire boat. Chief Harris said the city secured a $700,000 port security grant for the new boat but "due to the cost that rose during the lengthy grant process, the 700,000 wasn't enough to cover the final bid," and the FLIR had been removed from the bid to stay under the grant amount. HF Sinclair’s donation would allow the city to "add the FLIR back to our new fire boat," Harris said. FLIR technology helps crews "see in the darkness and through fog or smoky conditions and help with navigation and search operations," he added.
Councilmember Pantini moved to accept HF Sinclair’s donation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Mayor Walters offered public thanks to the businesses, and HF Sinclair representatives Andrea Petrick, AJ Tupper and Steve Lang attended the meeting.
Why it matters: The donations reduce the city's near‑term capital needs and directly affect public safety operations on the water, including search and rescue and night‑time navigation.
What's next: The accepted equipment has been or will be installed and integrated into department operations; council did not attach additional conditions to the acceptance motion.
— Reporting from the Feb. 9 Anacortes City Council meeting.
