BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Docked on the Buffalo River across from General Mills, the Edward M. Cotter has been protecting the city’s waterfront for more than a century. Measuring 118 feet, the Cotter is recognized as the world’s oldest active fireboat.

Captain Michael Kick took the helm nearly a year ago.

“Operating a vessel of this size is a huge responsibility, and keeping the legacy going is too,” Kick said.

Since its arrival in 1900, the Cotter has played a critical role in Buffalo, responding to fires both on the water and along the shore. With its current configuration, it can pump 15,000 gallons of water a minute — the equivalent of 11 fire engines.

In the spring, the fireboat also helps prevent flooding from South Buffalo to Cheektowaga by breaking ice so the water can flow freely

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