History:

 

The Mastic Beach Fire Department Scuba Rescue team was formed in 1985 with the purchase of a 12’ inflatable boat with a 15hp engine, and six sets of scuba gear.

 Our first Scuba rescue truck was a Pierce 1983 all wheel drive rescue truck. This truck was also used for heavy rescues and responded to all calls within our district.

 As the need for better equipment and more water related calls in our district the fire department updated all its equipment from a new 20ft Carolina skiff with an 115hp engine to the latest diving equipment in both warm and cold weather. We recently converted a used ambulance for our scuba truck.

 One of the hardest rescue’s is one done on ice being that our district has water on three sides.

Getting out on the ice is the biggest problem we face in the winter month. With the help of Suffolk County Legislator Fred Towle we were  able to get  a $ 25000.00 grant.

Our Board of Fire Commissioners assisted with the remaining payment. 

We were then able to purchase a 4-man Rescue Hovercraft. The hovercraft has been in service for the last two years.

We have found it to be the safest and fastest way to perform ice rescue.