BUFFALO, N.Y. (Sept. 6, 2025) — The city honored its historic firefighting vessel, the Edward M. Cotter, on Saturday with a reenactment of the boat’s original arrival more than a century ago.

Built in 1900, the Cotter remains in service as both a firefighting apparatus and flood prevention resource. Officials described the vessel as an invaluable asset to Buffalo’s fire protection system and a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage.

Mayor Byron Brown, city staff, volunteers and past and present members of the Cotter Conservancy joined firefighters for the event.