Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Village of Freeport Police Department has significantly upgraded its marine capabilities ahead of the upcoming boating season after receiving a new patrol boat, thanks to $250,000 in state grants.
The 23-foot “Life-Proof” center console vessel replaces the department’s existing 18-foot patrol boat, which has been in service since 2001. Acquired through a grant secured by former State Sen. Kevin Thomas, the new boat was designed specifically to meet the operational needs of the village’s Police Department.
The department’s Harbor Unit regularly responds to vessels in distress, boats that have run aground or are taking on water, as well as boating and jet-ski accidents, and no-wake zone enforcement throughout Freeport’s waterways.
“Our patrol officers are ready to assist in whatever way they’re needed,” Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said of the new vessel.
Designed using specifications provided by the department, the boat is expected to enhance safety and efficiency on the water.
“Having this new boat will enable our officers to be of greater assistance to our residents and others on the water,” Kennedy added.
The officers work closely with multiple agencies, including the Nassau County Police Department Marine Bureau, the Town of Hempstead Bay Constable, the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and local fire departments. While the primary patrol season runs from May through October, the vessel remains on call year-round.
As the self-described boating and fishing capital of the Northeast, Freeport relies on a two-person marine patrol crew that can respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. Eight officers in the department have received Marine Patrol Training, and Freeport’s Chief of Police Michael Smith said the department is continuing to expand that number.
The new vessel includes advanced electronics such as GPS and radar, enabling safe operation at night and in foggy conditions. It is powered by a 300-horsepower Mercury outboard motor, allowing speeds in excess of 50 mph, and is fully equipped with towing, safety and rescue equipment.
“The new vessel has a full enclosure, helping our officers stay out of the weather and further allowing them to utilize the vessel in any inclement weather, such as rain, wind or cold temperatures,” Smith said. “The new vessel will continue to be manned by two officers, however, increased space makes a larger crew possible.”
Mayor Kennedy said the upgrades allow officers to use the boat more often and more effectively.
“With the many upgrades on the new boat, our officers will be able to use it more frequently,” Kennedy said. “They’ll be able to educate the local boating community in all aspects of boating safety, including rules of the waterways and required safety equipment. With the new boat, they’ll be able to do so more efficiently.”
The patrol boat is expected to make its first official voyage at the start of the new season, likely sometime in April. While capable of high speeds, the vessel typically patrols back bay waterways at around five mph, with the ability to quickly respond to offshore emergencies several miles into the ocean.
Members of the Marine Patrol Unit undergo extensive training, including classroom instruction, vessel operation, hands-on rescue training, rescue swimming, and helicopter hoist operations, conducted in coordination with the Nassau County Police Department Marine Bureau, U.S. Coast Guard, and New York State Police.
“It was important that we upgrade our marine capabilities and are thankful to Sen. Thomas for his assistance,” Kennedy said. “Being able to secure a grant means we didn’t have to burden residents or raise taxes to make this happen.”
