EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary East Providence Flotilla (7-2), District 1 NR were presented with a proclamation by East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva for the Flotilla’s 60-year anniversary.
The East Providence Flotilla, led by Flotilla Commander Chad Cavanaugh and Vice Commander Patricia Tarro, is the oldest among the five flotillas that serve Rhode Island and the surrounding Massachusetts recreational boating communities.
“This is a huge milestone for us,” Cavanaugh said. “Our Flotilla is comprised solely of volunteers who dedicate their own time and effort to support many of the U.S. Coast Guard’s missions.”
“The efforts of the men and women of this Flotilla exemplifies selfless dedication to our community,” Mayor DaSilva said. “I commend these 25 members and all members on the number of lives saved or accidents prevented because of their efforts over the past 60 years.”
For the past 60 years, members have been conducting boating safety courses at a number of East Providence locations including East Providence High School, American Legion Riverside, Riverside Sportsman Association, East Providence Public Library and most recently, East Providence City Hall.
In fact, flotilla members have worked with East Providence Harbor Master Bruce Dufresene to help promote safe boating.
About Coast Guard Auxiliary District 1, Northern Region:
From northern Maine to Lake Champlain, from Western Massachusetts to Rhode Island, Cape Cod and the Islands, more than 2,300 members of the Auxiliary serve recreational boaters and the Coast Guard to protect people from the sea and the sea from the people. In an average year, more than 2,300 members of the 1st District (Northern) accomplish the following:
- Complete more than 3,000 operational patrols
- Conduct 1,800 boating safety classes
- Conduct 5,000 vessel safety checks
- Conduct 300 commercial fishing inspections
- Assist 130 persons in maritime peril
- Save over $500,000 in damage to recreational vessels
- Conduct 1,200 visits to marine dealers to distribute boating safety literature
- Provide more than 130,000 hours of volunteer support to the Coast Guard
Should you have any questions, please call the City of East Providence Mayor’s Office at 401-435-7500.
