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Sunday, May 25, 2025

 

The Edward M. Cotter


As the world's oldest active fireboat, the Edward M. Cotter is more than just a vessel .. it's a living piece of Buffalo's rich maritime and industrial history.  Built in 1900, the Cotter has faithfuly served the Buffalo Fire Department for an incredible 125 years, protecting the waterfront and keeping the city's harbor safe through generations of change.

Preserving a century-old fireboat is no small feat.  Over the past eight years, the dedicated volunteers and supporters behind the "Keep the Boat Afloat" campaign have worked tirelessly to maintain this historic vessel, ensuring it remains not just a symbol of the past, but an active, working part of Buffalo's present and future history. 

Thanks to the volunteers and supporters, the Cotter's 72-year-old engines have been carefully repaired, countless parts have been replaced and the iconic red and white paint that defines this storied vessel has been meticulously maintained.  Their work also helped secrue a critical state grant which funed the replacement of both shafts and propellers and the relining of the forward hull.  

For this unwavering dedication to preserving one of Buffalo's most unique and cherished landmarks, the City of Buffalo honors the Edward M. Cotter with the 2025 Preservation Award for Neighborhood Preservation Organization.  

Congratulations to all those who have helped keep the Cotter afloat!




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