Saybrook Township hosts dedication to water rescue boat donors

SAYBROOK — The Saybrook Township Board of Trustees handed out two dedications at the Saybrook Township Fire Department Wednesday morning to honor the donors of a water rescue boat.

The 2024 Zodiac Defender Probe 6.5 Expeditionary Fast Transport 150 was able to be purchased with the help from two grants — $30,000 from the Robert S. Morrison Foundation and $29,000 from the MFG Foundation.

John Jyurovat, Saybrook Township fire chief, said without their help, they wouldn’t have been able to get to this point.

“We’re certainly deeply indebted to them and grateful for their generosity,” he said. “They also helped with this fire station and securing the land. They’re a great family and a great company. I couldn’t be happier.”

Alec Raffa, co-president of the Robert S. Morrison Foundation, said they supported the fire department with their grant request, because they feel it is critical for the infrastructure of this county.

“One of our missions is to continue to support the county in areas that will benefit the people,” he said.

“We are very pleased to be able to help improve living in Ashtabula County and surrounding areas,” said Richard Morrison, chairman of the board for Molded Fiberglass Companies. “When I found out that the Ashtabula Coast Guard Station was being closed, I said, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It’s a big problem for all of us, including our military. You can’t have a rescue operation that takes three hours to get there. With this boat, you can at least get out there and save lives.”

The boat can fit up to 15 people.

Jyurovat said the department’s plan is to have it docked at Redbrook Boat Club.

“We’re toward the end of the boating season right now,” he said. “It’s going to be time for training and to finish the break-in period on it, so we get a long life out of the boat and the engine as well.”