Although considered to be the oldest active fireboat in the world, the Edward M. Cotter, christened in 1900, is still (as of 2018) in use by the fire department in Buffalo, New York. Originally named William S. Grattan, she was built by the Crescent Shipyard of Elizabeth Port, New Jersey. She was rebuilt in 1953 and renamed Firefighter upon her return to service. The following year she was renamed Edward M. Cotter after a Buffalo firefighter and leader of the local firefighters union, who had recently died. Photo by Carol Highsmith.