NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Fire-Rescue commissioned a new fireboat Friday morning honoring a legendary figure within the department.
The Fireboat 13 is named after Norfolk Fire-Rescue Lt. Harry Snead, the first African American to be hired by the department and finish a year-long probationary period in 1968.
According to city officials, Snead was also the second African American lieutenant within the department and was one of the 13 African American firefighters who formed the United Black Firefighters' local chapter.
The department held a ceremony at Town Point Park on Friday morning to welcome the new fireboat. City officials said the newest addition to Norfolk Fire-Rescue's fleet is dedicated to improving maritime safety and emergency response.
