[OSMB-News] News Release -Deschutes County Marine Patrol Receives Multiple Awards

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Friday, October 24, 2008

Deschutes County Marine Patrol Receives Multiple Awards
	
	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. 
	The Deschutes County Marine Patrol earned three awards; Most Improved Program (seasonal), Program Manager of the Year (seasonal), and Marine Patrol Volunteer of the Year. 
	Programs are recognized when they demonstrate the most improvement in maximizing their contract hours with the Marine Board.  During the 2008 boating season, Deschutes County Marine patrol conducted 1,155 boat patrol hours and 557 shore patrol hours.  This was a significant improvement from the 2007 boating season, earning them the Most Improved Program of the Year Award.  Additionally, the marine patrol conducted 1,360 boat examinations, issued 46 citations, 474 warnings, conducted 161 hull inspections and arrested one person for boating under the influence of intoxicants.  The marine patrol also had 2,042 boater contacts to ensure all the required equipment was on board and to educate boaters about local safety issues.  Deputies also helped educate children in local schools about boating and water safety. 
	The program improvements warranted recognition of the Marine Patrol Program Manager, Corporal Neil Mackey.  The Corporal was awarded Program Manager of the Year for a seasonal program.  "He is well deserving of this award," said Bill Rydblom, Law Enforcement Manager for the Marine Board.  "Corporal Mackey submitted his reports on time, had excellent communication with the Marine Board throughout the season, spent exhaustive hours helping with the Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show, provided important feedback about programs, and has done excellent education and outreach through the media to help educate boaters about safety," Rydblom added.
	The Deschutes County Marine program efforts are also amplified by the consistency and willingness of a very special volunteer.  Paul Cody was recognized with the Law Enforcement Volunteer of the Year Award.  Paul proctored 623 equivalency exams, helped issue 35 warnings, assisted with 34 hull inspections and one field sobriety test.
	Other awards presented during the conference included: Most Improved Yearly Program to Columbia County; 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; and Program Administration Award of Excellence to Jackson County and Crook County Sheriff's Offices.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

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