The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will christening Fire Boat 420, “Gunston Hall,” Wednesday, June, 22, 2005, at 10 a.m., at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Boat Ramp, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton. The 36-foot aluminum custom built rescue-style hull has a fully enclosed cabin enabling firefighters and paramedics to increase patient care for victims. The boat has full advanced life support capabilities, and can safely transport up to four littered patients. It's equipped with twin-turbo charged Cummins diesel engines, a 1,750 gallon per minute pump, and three remote mounted deluge guns, one on the roof and two on the forward bow. It also has a foam system that will safely mitigate fuel spills or fires involving petroleum based products on the water. The boat also has a forward looking infrared system that is used for locating victims in the waters under conditions of limited visibility.

Vessel christening ceremonies have been held in one form or another for over 4,000 years. The ceremony is an old tradition that imparts good luck and fortune to vessels.

The captain and his crew will demonstrate and showcase the features and capabilities of the boat for the media, deliver water and boating safety messages, and provide an opportunity for a short ride on the boat to demonstrate its capabilities.