Preserving memory of "Captain John"

A special dedication in Buffalo will preserve the memory of a man who dedicated his life to preserving the Great Lakes.

John Freidhoff left behind a legacy of passion and hard work as manager of Buffalo State College's Great Lakes Center.

Known by his friends as "Captain John," his life came to a tragic end in 2007, when he drowned during a scuba diving accident in Lake Ontario, trying to retrieve lost equipment.

Tuesday in his memory, the United States Coast Guard, family and friends, along with Buffalo State students and faculty, formally christened a boat in his name.

The research vessel will now bear his name as it continues his mission of preserving the Great Lakes.

The christened boat took it's maiden voyage Tuesday with the Freidhoff children aboard.