Norwich — Members of the Norwich Fire Department on Tuesday began familiarization and training cruises in the department's new 34-foot fireboat, Chief Scand.

The boat was purchased from MetalCraft Marine of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and Cape Vincent, N.Y., with a 75 percent/25 percent funding split between a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for $253,856 and $84,619 from the city. The new Marine 1 features a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, can accommodate the regional dive team and is equipped for search and rescue operations, including infrared equipment for night vision, as well as hazardous materials response, and has a communications system integrated with other departments throughout the region.

The fireboat committee of Lt. Nate Kannas, Lt. Tim Teper and firefighters Adam Griffin and Brendan Johnso worked on the design specifications and equipment for the vessel. All 52 members of the department will train on the vessel starting this week.

The vessel was named for retired Norwich fire Chief Kenneth Scandariato.