[OSMB-News] News Release -Polk County Marine Patrol Honored with Top Award

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Polk County Marine Patrol Honored with Top 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. 
	
Polk County Sheriff's Office received the Seasonal Program of the Year Award for being the best overall seasonal program.  
	
"The Polk County marine program completed 794 boat examinations, issued 339 citations, 56 warnings, conducted 51 hull inspections, three field sobriety tests and arrested one person for boating under the influence," said Bill Rydblom, Law Enforcement Manager for the Marine Board.  "Polk County Marine Deputies have also made 1,224 boater contacts to ensure they were carrying the proper equipment.  They also proctored equivalency exams for boaters.  They also went into the schools and educated children about boating and water safety.  It's always a successful year when their efforts help save lives," 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.
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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

Boating enlivens your senses!