Ralph J. Scott

Ralph J. Scott. Los Angeles City Fireboat 2. , Los Angeles City Fireboat 2 - Ralph J. Scott - commissioned 1925, has been designated a National Historic Landmark. This vessel possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America. , 1989, National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior. , History of the Ralph J. Scott , Ralph J. Scott - Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles City Fire Department from 1919 to 1940. Chief Scott is credited with the development of Fireboat 2. , Fireboat 2 was launched at 10:15 a.m. on October 20, 1925 at Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation in San Pedro. Mrs. Ralph J. Scott christened the vessel L.A. City No. 2 by breaking a bottle of fire-fighting foam across its bow. , Fireboat 2 was commissioned December 2, 1925. The 99-foot long vessel had a 19-foot beam, 6+ foot draft and was one of the first triple-screw, gasoline powered fireboats in the nation. With a wrought steel hull and a top speed of 17 knots, the vessel had a crew of 14, a pumping capacity of 10,200 GPM and cost $213,000. Note the foam tanks and hose reel forward of the tower. , May 8, 1965, Firebout 2, which was originally named L.A. City No. 2, was renamed the Ralph J. Scott in honor of the progressive chief engineer during whose administration the vessel was developed. The Fire Service Day ceremonies included a water display parade up the Main Channel by all the L.A. F.D. fireboats. , October 29, 1969, Fireboat 2 was recommissioned after an extensive modernization program produced a vessel described as "the most modem and practical firefighting boat afloat." As a result of this remodeling, the crew was reduced from fourteen to eight. , This view shows the modernized pilot's station. Improvements included: direct control of propulsion engines and transmissions; hydraulic steering; all new hydraulic stainless steel monitors; underwater maneuvering jets; large capacity underwharf monitors; six special bulwark monitors; hydraulic lift boom and winches. Note the ship's steering wheel has been replaced with a lever steerer. , Fireboat 2 celebrated it's 50th anniversary with an open house and water displays on December 6, 1975. In 1976, the boat was named a Los Angeles City Historic- Cultural Monument. At the same time all seven main engines were changed to diesel over a three year period; two are 700 HP Cummins, three are 380 HP Cummins and two are 525 HP Detroits. , July 3, 1986, Fireboat 2 moved to a temporary station at berth 85 in San Pedro, and the sixty-one year old former fire station was demolished to make way for harbor expansion. April 24, 1989, Fireboat 2 was named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park System Advisory Board.