Local fire dept. seeks donations to help repair search and rescue boat

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — As summer approaches, one fire department needs your help to prepare.

The Hardin County Fire Department has a search and rescue boat that needs repowering after a winter freeze caused the motor to bust.

Boat dealer ‘Marine Sales’ is giving a discount on the motor and the boat will be serving Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River.

It will help first responders get to emergencies fast. The hope is to have the boat going by July 4.

During the summer months, thousands of people are on the water in District 3 so the need is real.

Fire Chief Richard Childers shares some water safety tips.

“Know where your resources are. Know where your rendezvous points are for when you need help. Life jackets, do boat inspections, keep your boat up. Keep the fuel system in good shape so you don’t have those fires and, by all means, protect these kids who can’t help themselves out here on this water,” said Childers.

A GoFundMe has been started for the community to pitch in and help promote safety on the water.

To visit the GoFundMe, click here.

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