Hear the roar of her engines. Feel the spray of the Hudson. This is the John J Harvey. A legend of the New York City Fire Department.
Launched in 1931 she served for over six decades. The John J Harvey wasn’t just any fireboat. She was a marvel of engineering. The first fireboat powered by internal combustion engines. She could pump and maneuver simultaneously. She pumped 18000 gallons of water a minute. That’s like 20 fire trucks on land. Her design influenced all fireboats that followed.
The John J Harvey fought countless blazes. She battled the Cunard Line pier fire in 1932. She tackled the burning Normandie in 1942. She even helped fight a fire on the ammunition ship El Estero during World War II. A truly remarkable career.
But her most famous moment came after September 11 2001. After the World Trade Center attacks the John J Harvey was called back into service. Firefighters needed water. The fire mains were destroyed. The John J Harvey pumped water for 80 hours straight. She helped save countless lives. The National Trust for Historic Preservation gave her a special award. Her story became a children’s book.
Now restored and a museum. The John J Harvey offers free trips on the river. Come aboard and feel her history. Imagine the bravery. Hear the stories. This isn’t just a boat. It’s a symbol of New York City’s strength. A symbol of resilience. A legend of the water. The John J Harvey a true New York icon.