A $350,000 fireboat, made possible by a federal Homeland Security grant, was delivered to the Portsmouth Fire Department last Thursday, where its impressive capabilities were demonstrated for the public.

The vessel, a 33-foot, 5-inch Firestorm-30 model, has enough bells and whistles to make any third grader scream with joy. Outfitted with high-volume pumping capabilities and 380 hp engines, its pumps can produce over 1,500 gallons of water a minute. It is versatile enough to turn on a dime in both shallow and deep waters.

Until Thursday, firefighters relied on a ship the department obtained through government surplus in 1983. The vessel was only operational on a seasonal basis.

Now, according to the Fire Department, “the boat will be maintained and available 24/7, without regard to the time of year or weather conditions."