June 20, 2007, At long last Rescue 26 makes its Maiden Voyage: The president of Aluminum Chambered Boats (ACB), the district manager for Suzuki Outboards, Mayor Williams, Borough Manager Roy Eckert, other Borough officials, and community members were on hand to help launch Ketchikan’s the newest search and rescue asset.

The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) officially took delivery of the 26 foot ACB Rescue Boat (Rescue 26) on June 19th in Ketchikan. The crew from ACB trailered the boat from their factory in Bellingham Washington and launched the boat at Bar Harbor.

Jerry Kiffer with KVRS accepted the keys and conducted the acceptance voyage, “the boat certainly meets specifications” he said as they pulled back to the dock. Kiffer in an interview after the launching praised the handling of the new boat, “the best handling boat I have ever operated!” Kiffer indicated the vessel would replace their aging 22 foot rescue boat currently in operation. According to Kiffer the purchase was made possible primarily by a Homeland Security grant, but said Suzuki came on board with a discounted engine package, and the rest of the funding came from KVRS and local donations.

“The boat will enter service soon, said Kiffer it will be scheduled next week to return to our shop for bottom paint, search lights, towing gear, and other navigation and radio equipment”

“The Borough was very supportive of the project. Borough planner Johnathan Lappin worked very hard on the requirements Homeland Security needed for passing the grant through to KVRS, It has been a long project but are very pleased with the outcome”