In 1893 the No. 17 M.F.D. steam fireboat was built in Sheboygan for the City of Milwaukee's fire department. The vessel was built by the Rieboldt and Wolter Company in Sheboygan (later moved to Sturgeon Bay). Her official registry number was 130654. She was the second fireboat owned by the city and was originally named the James Foley, the name was changed in 1901 She was docked at the end of East water Street until she was placed into reserve status from December of 1922 until May of 1930 when she was dismantled.
May 12, 1930 the No.17 M.F.D. was finally taken out of service, dismantled and towed out into Lake Michigan approximately 5 miles northeast of the harbor lighthouse. Runge states that it was 8 to 10 miles out. The steam engine was still in the boat when she was scuttled.
The Milwaukee Fire Boat #17 was relocated during Bathymetric Surveys conducted by NOAA Office of Coast Survey in 2024. Maritime Preservation Program Archaeologists dove the wreck in the Summer of 2024 and with the assistance of local diver Jerry Guyer positively identified the wreck as being the Milwaukee Fire Boat #17. A 3d Photogrammetry Model was made and a further archaeological survey will be conducted.