A New York Fire Department boat that was used on September 11, 2001 is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The John D. McCain Fireboat, docked in Stony Point, New York, was used by New York fire officials for over 56 years. It responded directly to several events, notably the New York attacks on 9/11 and the Miracle on the Hudson in 2009.
The boat has four direct reversible diesel engines – two for propulsion and two for water pumping. According to the National Park Service, it pumped water from the Hudson River for three consecutive days after the September 11 attacks until debris was cleared and firetrucks were able to take over the blaze.
In addition to pumping water onto the debris, the boat also helped carry people evacuating Lower Manhattan to safe ground after people jumped into the Hudson River after the towers collapsed.
Officials said the boat was decommissioned in 2010 due to its old and obsolete technology.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed for the boat to be added to the registry.
“Today is an exciting step forward in cementing the John D. McCain Fireboat’s place in history – the retired FDNY fireboat has finally earned its well-deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the bravery of our first responders and The timeless symbol of heroism will be preserved for decades to come in the New York City Fire Department, honoring the vital role McCain played in our nation’s history – including the vital emergency response to the 9/11 attacks, the Miracle on the Hudson And beyond that — including celebrating “the firefighters who worked on this,” Schumer said earlier this year.