ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — The Ithaca Fire Department is hoping to get a new boat.

Chief Rob Covert believes it would be a big upgrade.

“We would go from having basically a fishing boat that we’re using as a rescue boat to an actual purpose-built boat,” he says.

Covert adds the current boat is starting to have issues like a spongy deck. The fire department is pursuing grant funding.