At the St. Thomas headquarters of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen Thursday presented a $25,000 check from the V.I. government to officials of Water Island Search and Rescue, a volunteer squad that serves the island.
The money will go toward buying a rescue vessel for the island in Charlotte Amalie harbor.
"Water Island is a unique community, one that deserves the same services and protections as all others in the Virgin Islands. The deJongh administration is committed to supporting its residents in their efforts to make their homes and island safer," Petersen said.
In 2009, the administration outfitted Water Island volunteer firefighters with a fire truck. A rescue operation vessel will add to the capabilities of the first responders, helping them protect their families, neighbors, and tourists along the island’s coastline.
"I know the fire and search and rescue volunteers will put the vessel they end up purchasing to good use," deJongh said Thursday.
