Grey Pearl Launch
By Sergeant Bobby Randazzo, Supervisor Marine Operations, SIB Police Department

On February 1, 2007, at 9:00 am, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department christened the newest member of their fleet, the “Grey Pearl.” The Grey Pearl is a 25 foot Sea Ark, commercial police vessel. It is equipped with twin 225 HP, Mercury, Verado engines.

The Mercury Verado engines are the quietest, most economical engines on the market at this time. It has all the latest electronic equipment and radios including a Garmin 3210 GPS with instantaneous satellite weather, a VHS radio, a police radio and a digital, slideshow of engine oil pressure and water temperature.

The dedication was held at 250 Atlantic Isle and was hosted by the Chief of Police, Fred Maas. In attendance were the Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, Commissioners Roslyn Brezin and Gerry Goodman. The City Attorney Has Ottinot and the City Manager John Szerlag were in attendance too. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Honor Guard presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance and City Historian Richard C. Schulman read the Christening Prayer. Chief Fred Maas presented the opening statement and Sergeant Bobby Randazzo enlightened the audience of all the vessels capabilities. The services concluded with Mayor Edelcup christened the vessel by breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow.

The vessel and the Marine Patrol Unit are a valuable necessity in our coastal community. We are surrounded by water and it is amazing how many calls for service are water related. As summer approaches, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will once again be patrolling our canals and waterways. Our Marine Patrol Unit and our new Grey Pearl vessel will be the lead vessel escorting the United States Ship Gridley to her final berthing dock at Government Cut, Dodge Island, on Friday morning, February 2, 2007. What an honor for our city, our Marine Patrol Unit, and our vessel.

May the wind always be in your sails!

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