Tender Boat "Charles D. Gaither"
 |
..The 48 foot motor vessel “Charles D. Gaither” served the Baltimore City Fire Department as the Marine Battalion Chief’s command and inspection boat for 8 months, from October 1971 to June 1972. This all steel, diesel driven vessel was built for the Baltimore City Police Department in 1940 as a Harbor Patrol Boat, and re-assigned to the Fire Department in 1971.
..In a brief ceremony held at the Baltimore City Marine Police Dock, on Friday, October 22, 1971, Major James P. Stromberg of the Police Department’s Property Division formally turned the “Charles D. Gaither” over to Fire Department Deputy Chief Herbert W. Catterton.
..Named after a former Police Commissioner, the “Gaither” had been the Police Department’s primary water-borne crime fighting craft until the purchase of the newer and faster “Intrepid” in 1968.
..Though the boat’s lack of speed was a disadvantage in police work, its shallow draft will allow it to move closer into the scene of harbor fires. Also, the “Gaither” is equipped with a 500 gallon capacity pump to permit firefighting, and salvaging of sinking vessels. Battalion Chief George L. Kline, commander of the Fire Department’s Marine Division stated that the “Gaither’s” steel hull and diesel engine are well suited for such a role.
..Due to mechanical problems with the boat, she was never placed into active service with the Marine Division Battalion Chief. The “Gaither” remained at Engine Co. 16, Pier 7, foot of President Street until June 30, 1972, when she was delivered to the Fire Department Repair Shop on Key Highway to await auction. On the next day the duties of the Marine Chief’s Tender Boat were taken over by the newly designated Reserve Fireboat No.1, “P.W. Wilkinson”.
..Named after a former Police Commissioner, the “Gaither” had been the Police Department’s primary water-borne crime fighting craft until the purchase of the newer and faster “Intrepid” in 1968.
..Though the boat’s lack of speed was a disadvantage in police work, its shallow draft will allow it to move closer into the scene of harbor fires. Also, the “Gaither” is equipped with a 500 gallon capacity pump to permit firefighting, and salvaging of sinking vessels. Battalion Chief George L. Kline, commander of the Fire Department’s Marine Division stated that the “Gaither’s” steel hull and diesel engine are well suited for such a role.
..Due to mechanical problems with the boat, she was never placed into active service with the Marine Division Battalion Chief. The “Gaither” remained at Engine Co. 16, Pier 7, foot of President Street until June 30, 1972, when she was delivered to the Fire Department Repair Shop on Key Highway to await auction. On the next day the duties of the Marine Chief’s Tender Boat were taken over by the newly designated Reserve Fireboat No.1, “P.W. Wilkinson”.
 |
Bow on view of the "Charles D. Gaither" at the Fire Department Repair
Shop, Key Highway, awaiting auction.---------------------------------------------
Shop, Key Highway, awaiting auction.---------------------------------------------
 |
 |
Police Boat "Charles D. Gaither" at the "Provincetown" fire on Pratt Street,
1968. Note Officers manning the monitor pipe on the pilot house roof.------
1968. Note Officers manning the monitor pipe on the pilot house roof.------