MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) - The Mandan Fire Department upgraded its fleet by purchasing its first search and rescue boat.

The 16-foot inflatable watercraft is equipped with a depth finder, side scan sonar and thermal imaging to help with water rescues.

Mandan Fire is responsible for watching over nearly 24 miles of shoreline.

“We looked at it and we said, we can’t do much beyond shoreline rescue. We really need to start looking at getting into, getting off the shore, out into the water, and doing some rescues,” said Battalion Chief Shane Weltikol.

The North Dakota Game and Fish, along with donations from Mandan community partners, funded the boat’s purchase.

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