COAST GUARD STATION FIRE ISLAND

• Historic Establishment: Coast Guard Station Fire Island was originally established in 1849 as a life-saving station, making it one of the earliest such stations along the Long Island coast. • Role in the Great Hurricane of 1938: The station played a vital role in responding to the devastation caused by the 1938 New England Hurricane, rescuing stranded residents and vessels. • Location: The station is strategically located at the western end of Fire Island, New York, providing access to the busy waters of the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. • Transition to Coast Guard: Originally a U.S. Life-Saving Service station, it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard when the service was formed in 1915. • Maritime Rescue Operations: The station is renowned for its search and rescue missions, particularly during severe storms and adverse weather conditions. • Proximity to Notorious Shipwrecks: The waters off Fire Island are known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the high number of shipwrecks, leading to many dramatic rescue stories involving station personnel. • 9/11 Assistance: Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Station Fire Island supported operations in New York Harbor, helping to secure maritime approaches. • Interdiction and Law Enforcement: The unit is actively involved in maritime law enforcement, including drug interdiction, fisheries enforcement, and boating safety. • Environmental Protection: Station personnel are also engaged in protecting the fragile coastal ecosystem of Fire Island, responding to oil spills and other environmental hazards. • Community Engagement: The station regularly hosts open houses and educational events, fostering strong relationships with the local community and increasing public awareness of boating safety.