Sometimes the stars just line up, and we were privileged to witness the return of the Fred A. Busse river fireboat to its new home in DuSable Harbor, to start a new life as a river cruise vessel. What started as a dream for Navy boys Erich Totsch (a 3rd cousin of Michelle’s) and Ray Novak, turned to reality on Tuesday as they piloted Fred to a new downtown home right on center stage of the city.
Operating as Chicago Fireboat Tours, they will be showing off this stunning city to all comers from this summer, giving a classic Chicago experience. The sight of this magnificent fire-engine red 90-footer sliding into the harbor, with the skyline as a backdrop, is a truly memorable moment. As a welcoming gesture, the city lit up with a spectacular lightning show that rivalled any Fourth of July fireworks.
Fred A. Busse was a working fireboat from the 1930’s until 1982, and until recently has been operating from Wisconsin. Chicago is definitively home for this craft, and the smiles said it all as Ray and Erich guided Fred into position beside the Columbia Yacht Club. Be sure to look them up and check them out next time you are in town.
Light Your Fire! 