SCHUMER, FOLLOWING MAJOR PUSH, ANNOUNCES THE HISTORIC JOHN D. MCKEAN FIREBOAT IN ROCKLAND COUNTY HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES – SECURING ACCESS TO CRITICAL FUNDING TO HELP PRESERVE THE VESSEL & ANCHORING THE RETIRED FDNY FIREBOAT’S PLACE IN HISTORY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

As FDNY Marine Co. #1, The McKean Fireboat Rushed To Emergencies Including The 9/11 Attacks, Miracle On The Hudson, & The Staten Island Ferry Terminal Fire, Schumer Says Fireboat’s History Will Now Be Preserved For Generations To Come

After Rallying Support To Secure This Fireboat’s Federal Place On The National Register of Historic Places, Schumer Said That This Critical Designation Will Unlock Critical Federal Funding To Help Preserve The Vessel And It’s Impactful Story

Schumer: After 58 Years Of Serving New Yorkers, This Hardy Vessel Is Charting A New Course & Setting Sail Towards Preservation!

Following his relentless advocacy and personal meeting with the Fireboat McKean Preservation Project’s David Rocco, U.S Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the National Park Service (NPS) has approved the nomination of the historic John D. McKean Fireboat, a retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) vessel, to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Schumer explained that the McKean Fireboat served the FDNY for 58 years, responding to countless emergencies including the 9/11 attacks, the "Miracle on the Hudson" in 2009, and the 1991 Staten Island Ferry Terminal fire. The historic boat, which now docks in Stony Point, NY, played a critical role in protecting New York’s waterfront communities, and this federal designation will now enshrine this vessel as a piece of America’s history and unlock access to critical federal funding to preserve the fireboat and its long-lasting legacy.

"Today marks an exciting step towards anchoring the John D. McKean fireboat’s place in history – With the retired FDNY fireboat finally securing its well-deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places, this timeless symbol of the bravery and heroism of our first responders in the New York City Fire Department will be preserved for decades to come, honoring the important role the McKean played in our nation's history – including its critical emergency response to the 9/11 attacks, Miracle on the Hudson, and beyond – while celebrating the firefighters who served aboard it,” said Senator Schumer. “Earlier this year, I personally met with Fireboat McKean Preservation Project’s David Rocco and launched an all-out push to urge the National Park Service to anchor the McKean fireboat’s place in history by listing this important vessel on the National Register of Historic Places. I want to thank NPS for heeding my call and recognizing the McKean's contributions to our nation’s history and ensuring that its legacy sails on for generations to come.”

Schumer explained that the goal of the McKean organization is to reach out to community schools along the Hudson River from NYC up to Albany and engage students about the possibility of a maritime career.   The boat was purchased at an FDNY surplus auction in 2016 and will be restored by a group of Hudson Valley-based volunteers for museum and educational purposes. On December 8, 2022, the McKean Fireboat was unanimously approved for listing on the State Register of Historic Places (SRHP) by the New York State Review Board as “a significant historic resource under Criterion C in the area of Engineering.” The retired vessel was also signed to the State Register that day. Since then, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has prepared the McKean's nomination for submission to the NPS for listing on the NRHP.  However, this process was initially delayed because the homeport location changed to Stony Point in Rockland County subsequent to the SRHP listing approval.

Fortunately, this past May, the Fireboat McKean Preservation Project got word that New York State would submit new maps and the change of address, formally launching the NPS approval process. Schumer immediately called on the NPS to promptly approve the John D. McKean fireboat's nomination and add it to the NRHP.

Schumer explained that with the John D. McKean Fireboat finally added to the National Register of Historic Places, the retired FDNY boat will see a myriad of benefits. This includes access to the historic rehabilitation tax credit and grants through the Historic Preservation Fund which can be used for maintenance and upkeep of the fireboat, which was originally built in 1954, to ensure its story lives on for generations to come. Schumer said the designation will also now help increase the name recognition of the boat, bringing new tourists to the site, helping add another piece of treasured history to the Hudson Valley’s tourism economy and preserving the McKean’s story for future generations of New Yorkers to learn about.

A copy of Schumer’s original letter to Secretary Haaland appears below:

Dear Secretary Haaland,

I write to urge you to stand ready to promptly approve the John D. McKean Fireboat's nomination and add it to the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Rockland County, New York, the McKean Fireboat is a vital piece of New York City's maritime history and a symbol of the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who served aboard it.

The John D. McKean Fireboat served the New York City Fire Department for 58 years, responding to countless emergencies including the events of September 11, 2001, and the "Miracle on the Hudson" in 2009. It was a critical component of the city's firefighting fleet, playing a vital role in protecting the city's waterfront communities and industries. Moreover, the McKean represents the pinnacle of fireboat technology and engineering of its time. Its advanced firefighting equipment, powerful engines, and spacious deck make it an important and unique piece of our nation's maritime history.

On December 8, 2022 the McKean was unanimously approved for listing on the State Register of Historic Places (SRHP) by the New York State Review Board as a significant historic resource under Criterion C in the area of Engineering. The McKean Fireboat was signed to the State Register that day. Since then, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has prepared the McKean's nomination for submission to the National Park Service (NPS) for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This process was initially delayed because the homeport location changed to Stony Point, New York, subsequent to the SRHP listing approval. This change of homeport address does not impact either the current State Register listed status, or its status as eligible for listing on the NRHP.

With New York State’s formal submission to the NPS expected in the coming weeks reflecting the McKean’s updated address, I urge the NPS to stand ready to promptly approve the John D. McKean fireboat's nomination and add it to the NRHP. This important designation will ensure its preservation for future generations while also recognizing and celebrating the important role the McKean played in our nation's history as we honor the firefighters who served aboard it.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

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