Dennis authorizes application for Coast Guard port security grant to replace marine units

The Dennis Select Board on July 14 voted unanimously to allow the Fire Department to apply for a U.S. Coast Guard Port Security grant to modernize its marine response capability.

Fire personnel explained the town's two existing coastguard‑surplus 25‑foot boats are approximately 19 years old, have recurring mechanical issues and lack firefighting capability and sufficient victim seating. John Cashman (marine unit supervisor) told the board the current boats “have no firefighting capabilities” and described limits in electronics and crew seating that hamper search‑and‑rescue and patient care.

The department's grant request would fund a new 27–29 foot NFPA‑compliant vessel with increased crew seating and space for multiple victims (including provision for a patient to lie down for advanced life support), enhanced navigation (radar, sonar, AIS), a FLIR thermal search camera and a mounted pump/remote suppression system so crews can operate suppression from inside the cabin. Cashman said the vessel would allow the department to better respond to incidents in Cape Cod Bay and Bass River — areas with large commercial and passenger vessel traffic and significant hazmat (fuel storage) exposure.

The department estimated the new vessel and associated training at roughly $750,000–$800,000; the Coast Guard grant requires a 25% local match (approximately $200,000). The board voted to authorize the application and encouraged staff to identify potential local funding sources for the match during subsequent budget planning.

If awarded, the department said it would return with a formal capital request for the match and a timeline for procurement and training.