Jackson County Fire District 4 says it has been awarded a low-water rescue boat through the Oregon State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment Program 2.

Officials say this new boat with help fire personnel respond to water rescue and water assists. It will also increase capabilities in high water incidents, surface water incidents, and more.

The new boat, an SJX jet boat, will be able to be requested for help throughout Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Counties. It can also be requested for large-scale water rescues such as flooding statewide.

The Fire District says the new jet boat will be much safer, quieter, environmentally friendly, and easier to operate than the current equipment used.

Fire District 4 would like to give a special thanks to Jackson Country Emergency Management, Josephine County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District 3, and the Oregon State Marine Board for the letters of support.