This new vessel will replace the one currently used by the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, enhancing its capabilities for emergency response times, while enhancing its firefighting capabilities.

“Given our location, we are responsible for responding to emergencies across the entire lake,” said Randy Apperson, Bemus Point fire chief. “Our boat, a Boston Whaler from around 1990, is quite dated; it has visible cracks, and the engine is weary. Furthermore, it is not designed for traditional firefighting. In the event of a boat fire or even a house fire, we are required to lower a pump into the water. If we’re fortunate, we can manage to pump up to 500 gallons per minute, but the stream can only reach 25 feet.”

Apperson shared that this season, the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department has been busy, responding to seven calls for service on the lake alone within the last few months.

“Year-to-date, we’ve responded to 112 calls for service – 70 EMS calls (emergency medical service); six fire calls; six accident calls; 20 fire alarms and 10 general emergency calls (seven of which were on Lake Chautauqua),” he said.

Apperson highlighted the potential risk of boat docks around the lake, particularly at the Village Casino in Bemus Point serving as starting points for fires. These locations can facilitate the spread of flames from their origin, raising concerns about fire safety in the area.

“Just because we haven’t had a big fire spread, doesn’t mean we won’t. I’d like us to be ready for that,” he said. The Casino is one place where a fire could spread and jump from location to location.”

Apperson highlighted that the fire department has set up a dedicated ad hoc committee to investigate the best possible options for a new vessel replacement.

“The two replacement vessels should be constructed from either aluminum or fiberglass,” he stated. “The two primary manufacturers of firefighting vessels are Boston Whaler, located in Florida, and Stanley Aluminum Boats, based in Ontario, Canada. We recommend selecting Stanley Company for an aluminum center console equipped with a comprehensive firefighting package.”

After conducting a thorough side-by-side comparison and diving deep into price point analysis, Apperson has found that the Stanley boat stands out as the top choice for the fire department’s needs. Its features and value make it a better fit for enhancing their capabilities.

“The base price for a new boat from the Boston Whaler company is $252,000, with an additional cost of approximately $20,000 for the firefighting upgrade, bringing the total to around $275,000,” he explained. “In comparison, the Stanley boat has a base price of roughly $185,000. The crucial factor to consider is the potential tariffs. If a 20% tariff is applied, that would add around $37,000 to the cost. Therefore, we are looking at a total price of approximately $220,000, plus the cost of the firefighting upgrade and a cost for delivery.”

Additionally, Apperson said the department and village potentially has all the funds lined up for this purchase.

In other business:

-Street Superintendent Joel Dahlberg informed the board that he has 12-15 Hometown Heroes banners ready for installation, with more on the way. Additionally, his department has had to replace three flags that were damaged or destroyed by high winds. Deputy Mayor Jeff Farnham, who also serves as a trustee for Bemus Point, expressed his preference for the Hometown Heroes banners over the other generic displays used by the village.

Village Clerk and Treasurer Brittney Mulkin mentioned that while the banners have been ordered for 2025, the cost to purchase one in 2026 will be $50.

Mayor Jeff Molnar remarked, “This is a wonderful way to honor those who have served our nation from our village.”