Roanoke, VA — June 2025. Ridge View Bank is proud to provide financial support to Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue for a newly custom-built fire boat. This advanced vessel enhances emergency response capabilities and ensures greater safety and coverage for residents and visitors on Smith Mountain Lake (SML). With the continued rise in aquatic recreational activity, the new fire boat is the most well-equipped in the rescue squad’s fleet and represents a critical asset in protecting the community. The vessel officially joined the nine-boat fleet this spring and is already helping first responders better serve the growing needs of the SML area. The new boat completed sea trials in February to test its performance and safety in real-world conditions.
Ridge View Bank helped finance the new boat to serve the community that has housed and supported the bank for years.
“Supporting the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Rescue Squad in acquiring a fireboat is not just an investment in their capabilities, but also in the safety and well-being of all who live and visit the beautiful lake,” said Ridge View Bank President Carrie McConnell. “By strengthening emergency services, we are ensuring a safer environment for our clients and the entire community. Our commitment to local initiatives like this reinforces our dedication to being a trusted partner in the growth and security of Smith Mountain Lake.”
Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Todd Hammock, who has had a long-standing relationship with the SML Rescue Squad, served as the loan officer during the arrangement.
“I’ve developed a wonderful relationship with this organization and many of its leaders over the years,” said Hammock. “I’m proud to have been of service in the purchase project of this amazing boat.”
The fire boat is a custom-made watercraft fitted with pumps and nozzles to help put out fires on or around the lake. The vessel draws water directly from the lake to power its pumps, providing an unlimited water supply instead of relying on a tank. The new boat will also improve rescue efforts such as water-evacuations and search and rescue missions.
The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue is an emergency response team that specializes in marine-based incidents, covering over 500 miles of the shoreline. The team is trained to aid and support anyone who is in distress on the lake. The squad not only handles marine-based incidents but also works with land-based fire and rescue squads by aiding in water supply, manpower and EMS first responder support.
"Our new Lake Assault Fire Boat will allow us to expand our ISO service area for the members of the SML community,” said Company 11 Chief Todd Ohlerich. “Ridge View Bank was very supportive from the start as we met to see if this would be a possibility. The whole process with Ridge View Bank went smoothly, and they worked with us to secure the new fireboat. Big thank you to Ridge View for their help."
The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire Rescue showcased the new boat at the Search and Rescue Conference in Hampton, VA, in partnership with Lake Assault Boats LLC, the company that custom-built the vessel. Lake Assault Boats LLC manufactures out of Superior, WI but has a location in Portsmouth, VA.