[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Deputy Honored with Life Saving Award

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Friday, October 24, 2008

Marine Deputy Honored with Life Saving Award
	
	The Oregon State Marine Board honored marine law enforcement officers from around the state for their outstanding performance and contributions during the 2008 boating season at their annual post-season conference on October 14, in Bend. 
	Deputy Ted Heath of the Curry County Sheriff's Office was recognized with a life saving award.  In March, while patrolling the Rogue River, Deputy Heath was dispatched to a report of a victim in the water.  A 67-year old man was knocked out of his kayak by a breaking wave near the mouth of the Rogue River.  The cold water and strong current prevented the man from self-rescue.  Upon arrival, it was obvious the man was in severe distress.  Deputy Heath tossed the man a throw bag, perfectly into the freezing hands of the victim.  The man was able to wrap the line around his arm and was successfully pulled to safety.  It was later revealed that the boater had a core body temperature of 88 degrees, which is fatal for most people.  "Deputy Heath remained calm and focused," said Bill Rydblom, Law Enforcement Manager for the Marine Board.  "His years of training and expertise were demonstrated at the right place at the right time.  Congratulations for a job well done," Rydblom added.
	Other awards presented during the conference included: Most Improved Yearly Program to Columbia County; Most Improved Seasonal Program to Deschutes County; Program of the Year, Columbia County; Program of the Year *Seasonal to Polk County; Education Award to Deputy Anthony Hackman, Malheur County Sheriff's Office; Education Award *Seasonal Program to Washington County; Officer of the Year to Deputy Robert Wurpes, Clackamas County; Seasonal Officer of the Year to Deputy Jerry Roley, Washington County Sheriff's Office; Rookie of the Year to Deputy Brent Laizure, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office; BUII Enforcement to Deputy Jason Denton, Jackson County Sheriff's Office; Trooper of the Year to Senior Trooper Marshall Maher and Trooper Martin Maher, OSP NW Region; Program Manager of the Year to Lt. Michael Shults, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office; Special Instructor Award to Corporal Will Coleman, Coos County Sheriff's Office, Sergeant Brad Williams, Malheur County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Ernie Fields, Josephine County Sheriff's Office; Program Administration Award of Excellence to Jackson County and Crook County Sheriff's Offices; Special Award *Program Manager of the Year to Corporal Neil Mackey, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Volunteer of the Year to Paul Cody of Deschutes County Sheriff's Office.
###


Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

Boating enlivens your senses!