The St Augustine Police Department informed local Historic City News reporters that their marine rescue unit has been returned to service after receiving a generous grant from the St Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District.
The unit’s boat motor failed last year after logging over 4000 hours.
“The St Augustine Police Department started the marine unit in 2004,” spokesman Mark Samson told reporters. “Corporal Jerry Whitehead and police officer Jeff Truncellito are assigned to marine operations for the department.”
In 2006 Corporal Whitehead took over as captain of the vessel when it became a fulltime position. Since then, there have been thirty-one people, and two dogs, rescued by the Marine Unit in the waters of St Augustine.
The St Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District donated $24,332.59 to the St Augustine Police Department for a new motor and all of the additional equipment needed to put the boat back in service.
The US Customs National Marine Center did all of the work, including refabricating a new instrument panel.
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