New vessel to join Hopewell Fire Department fleet after two years without one

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- The Hopewell Fire Department has obtained funding for a marine response vessel after not having one for two years.

In partnership with the Hopewell Police Department, the Hopewell Fire Department has added a new boat to its fleet to ensure the safety on the Appomattox and James rivers, as well as
at the city marina. The department was awarded a $394,000 federal grant, along with $104,667 in required matching funds from the city. The total cost of this project is $498,667. They applied for the Port Security Grant Program earlier this year and were only recently notified that they won the award.

The new boat will help ensure the safety of the public during large community events, including fishing tournaments, regional water-based sporting events and the Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

Hopewell is also home to two international ports that aid local businesses through shipping operations. Officials said maintaining a maritime response team is crucial to ensuring public safety on these waters.

The city's last boat became unusable and was sold at an auction last year. With the new vessel, it will be able to assist both the Hopewell Fire Department and the Hopewell Police Department in any of their operational needs.

“It is truly exciting to restore this important capability to our response assets,” Fire Chief Ben Ruppert said. “Providing this service to our citizens and visitors on our rivers is an important part of what we do in public safety.”

City officials plan for the boat to be operational sometime in the next year, hoping that it will be ready by Hopewell's 2026 Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

For more information, contact PIO@hopewellva.gov or call 804-541-2244.