While it makes for a serene sight, the frozen Potomac and Anacostia rivers, and other local waterways, can be hazardous if there’s an emergency. So it’s up to D.C. Fire Platoon 3 to clear the water of ice, so they can access any boaters in distress, any national security concerns or alarms at Reagan National Airport.
It was a bit of a rocky ride as the bow of the John Glenn traveled through several inches of ice on the Potomac.
“The John Glenn is rated as an ice-breaking vessel,” said Matt Sandy with D.C. Fire and EMS.