Private Donation Funds New Police Boat
The City of Huron has received a generous private donation that will fund the purchase of a new police marine patrol Boat, significantly enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities along the city’s shoreline and in Lake Erie.
The donation, made by a local benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous, providing the full cost of the new vessel. “I am so proud, honored, and humbled to announce that an anonymous private donor has offered to purchase the Huron Police Department a brand new 2025 marine patrol boat,” stated Police Chief Terry Graham.
The new vessel, an Alukin CW 750, will replace the Huron Police Department’s aging patrol watercraft and is expected to include modern navigation and communication technology, enhanced speed and maneuverability, and improved rescue equipment. “The new boat will allow us to respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies on the water, assist boaters in distress, and work more closely with other local and regional agencies,” stated Chief Graham.
The Alukin 750 CW’s unique design features include a reinforced all-aluminum, heavy-duty hull, exceptional durability, versatility, and advanced handling capabilities, making it perfect for the challenging conditions of Lake Erie. Its reputation for offering maneuverability and reliability in Sweden’s harsh marine environments ensures it will excel in protecting and serving the Huron community.
“The Alukin CW 750 is valued at $200k and is being sold through Castaway Yacht Sales in Port Clinton. Castaway Yacht Sales saw the importance of this new Marine Patrol boat to the local community and offered a substantial discount; the final purchase price is $167,500 of which the anonymous donor has agreed to fund completely. We thank them for their continued partnership” stated Chief Graham. “This generous gift is a true investment in the safety and well-being of our community.”
The Huron Police Department has long played a critical role in maintaining safety along the city’s waterfront and harbor. The new vessel will also support the department’s efforts in enforcing boating laws, conducting search and rescue operations, and participating in regional mutual aid missions.
Interim City Manager Stuart Hamilton values the donation, saying, “This is a great example of how community members can make a tangible difference. We are truly grateful for this act of civic generosity.”
The new vessel will not affect the annual Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Parks & Watercraft Marine Patrol Grant. The available grant money covers the costs associated with the department’s Marine Patrol Program which includes overtime, maintenance, fuel, storage, and dockage. The grant awarded from ODNR for 2025 is $28,046.36 and the City’s matching funds are $9,348.79 for a total of $37,395.15 for the Marine Patrol Program. The Marine Patrol Program has received these grant funds for the past 32 years.
Upon taking possession of the new vessel, the current marine boat will be taken out of service and eventually sold.
A formal unveiling and demonstration event will be planned sometime after taking possession of the vessel to showcase the new equipment.
Twitter