Meet Brick’s New Police Boat

Brick’s new police boat, a 25-foot Defender class vessel. (Photo: Brick Twp. Police)

Brick police officers will have a state-of-the-art vessel in their marine unit fleet for the 2017 summer boating season.

The department has launched its new boat, a 25-foot former U.S. Coast Guard Defender-class patrol vessel, in preparation for the summer season.

The boat was launched last weekend for Memorial Day and will be in use through Labor Day and afterward as needed, police said.

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Powered by twin 225 horsepower Honda engines, the boat was acquired from U.S. Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook and was outfitted by utilizing drug forfeiture funds, said Lt. Timothy Boyle.

Patrolman Daniel Fogarty, who serves as a Coast Guard reservist in addition to his duties with the Brick police department, headed the project, said Boyle. 

The boat and its crew will conduct patrols on the bay, rivers and lagoons strictly enforcing boating regulations and citing those who are operating their vessels carelessly, said Boyle.

Built by SAFE Boats International, Defenderclass boats are made up of high-speed, rigid-hull aluminum that have twin engines and can travel up to 46 knots (52 m.p.h.). Though similar in appearance to an inflatable boat, its collar is made of rigid polyethylene foam.

The boat, a 2010 model that includes the boat, motors and trailer, was acquired for $40,000, said Mayor John Ducey. It was acquired with funds left over in last year’s surplus account.

Councilman Jim Fozman said Chief James Riccio requested the boat as an upgrade to the department’s current fleet since the Defender is capable of operating in rough weather.