Date: Oct. 26, 2001
For Immediate Release

Marine Board Honors Clackamas Marine Patrol

The Clackamas County Sheriff Marine Patrol program has earned the top award given annually by the Oregon State Marine Board. The board awarded Clackamas County the "2001 Marine Program of the Year" during awards ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award is designed to recognize outstanding achievement for a full-time marine law enforcement program," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "This program consistently turns in high numbers of program hours, Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicant (BUII) arrests and other boating citations, water safety education to local youths and service to the community. Sergeant P.J. Steigleder and Deputies Doug Olsen and Mitch Beyer perform their jobs with the utmost skill and professionalism. They serve as an example to other marine law enforcement programs across the state."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Polk Marine Patrol

The Polk County Sheriff Marine Patrol program has earned the top award given annually by the Oregon State Marine Board to a seasonal marine patrol program. The board awarded Polk County the "2001 Marine Program of the Year" for seasonal programs during awards ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award recognizes the best all-around seasonal marine patrol program in the state," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "This program consistently turns in high numbers of program hours, boating citations, youth boating and water safety training hours, arrests for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants and other duties. They serve as an example to other seasonal marine law enforcement programs across the state."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Columbia County Officer

The Oregon State Marine Board has named Columbia County Sheriff Marine Patrol Deputy Tom Turk, of St. Helens, with the "Marine Officer of the Year – Full Time Program." This is the second year in a row he has won the award. The board honored Deputy Turk during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions Deputy Turk has made to marine law enforcement in his county and across the state," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "He manages to keep his own county's performance standards high while serving on a statewide training committee to help improve the skills of other marine patrol officers across the state. He has a 'can-do' attitude and is always ready to help boaters and other marine patrol officers in any way possible. He serves as an example to other marine law enforcement officers across the state." The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators also recently honored Deputy Turk as the "Oregon State Officer of the Year" for 2000.

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Wasco County Officer

The Oregon State Marine Board has named Wasco County Sheriff Marine Patrol Deputy Clay Piper, of The Dalles, as the 2001 Marine Officer of the Year for a seasonal program. The board honored Deputy Piper during awards ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award recognizes the outstanding contributions Deputy Piper has made to marine law enforcement in his county and throughout the state," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "He is essentially a one-man marine program for the county, turning in high performance standards for boater contacts, citations, Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants arrests, community education and outreach. He is also known for his tenacious promotion of National Safe Boating Week and striving to help boaters be safe when they're on the water. He serves as an example to other marine law enforcement officers across the state."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Clatsop County Officer

The Oregon State Marine Board has honored Clatsop County Marine Patrol Officer Deputy Willie Nyberg for outstanding efforts in training fellow marine officers during 2001. The award, called the "2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award," was named for former Yamhill County Marine Deputy and long-time Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer Dave Hill.

Dave Hill was an outstanding instructor and supporter of marine programs. Recipients of the award demonstrate those same qualities - ability and tireless dedication to training fellow marine patrol officers and new recruits so they can more effectively perform their jobs," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "Deputy Nyberg worked enthusiastically training dozens of new recruits and officers throughout 2001, benefiting numerous marine programs across the state."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Jackson County for BUII Work

The Oregon State Marine Board has awarded the Jackson County Sheriffs Marine Patrol program with the "2001 BUII Enforcement Award" during awards ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17. BUII is "Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants." The Marine Board has made enforcement of BUII laws a top priority in recent years.

Jackson County has a strong record of diligent enforcement of BUII laws," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. "Enforcing those laws effectively keeps drug and alcohol impaired boaters off the water, making boating safer for everyone. We have no doubt whatsoever that this effective program has prevented numerous accidents and saved many lives over the years. Despite the drought and having fewer boats on the water, Jackson County still did an excellent job of finding impaired boaters in 2001."

Statewide, marine patrol officers arrested 201 boaters for BUII in 2001. Jackson County alone is credited with 41 BUII arrests, with Deputy Joe Puckett making 36 of Jackson County's 41 arrests. Multnomah County was followed with 28 arrests and Clackamas with 25. Oregon State Police marine officers, who also provide contract Marine Patrol services to the Marine Board, had 25 BUII arrests in 2001.

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Marion County Marine Patrol

The Oregon State Marine Board has awarded the "School Education Award – Full Time Program" to the Marion County Sheriff Marine Patrol for teaching boating and water safety to more than 3,500 students in 47 classes. The board announced the award during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award recognizes the hard work these Marine Patrol officers do to teach boating and water safety to youths with the goal of preventing drownings," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "Helping children understand the value of wearing life jackets, of avoiding entering swift or cold water and in being safe around water in general no doubt saves lives each year. This is a critical lesson they take home to their families and is a valuable service to communities in Marion County."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – seasonal, Deschutes County.

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Marine Board Honors Deschutes County Marine Patrol

The Oregon State Marine Board has awarded the "School Education Award – Seasonal Program" to the Deschutes County Sheriffs Marine Patrol for teaching boating and water safety to 3,570 students in 60 classes. The board announced the award during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

This award recognizes the hard work these Marine Patrol officers do to teach boating and water safety to youths with the goal of preventing drownings," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. "Helping children understand the value of wearing life jackets, of avoiding entering swift or cold water and in being safe around water in general no doubt saves lives each year. This is a critical lesson they take home to their families and is a valuable service to communities in Deschutes County."

Other awards given by the board included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full time program, Marion County.

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Multnomah Marine Deputies Honored For Heroic Effort

The Oregon State Marine Board honored Multnomah County Marine Patrol deputies with two public service awards for rescues in 2001. One award was for a deputy who performed above and beyond the call of duty attempting to rescue the occupants of a submerged car. The second award involved deputies who made a quick response to rescue a family whose boat capsized. The board announced the awards during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

Deputy Tim Lichatowich was honored for his response after a car drove down the M. James Gleason Boat Ramp in Portland at 35-40 mph into the water. Deputy Lichatowich witnessed the event and dove 15 times to locate the vehicle, then, despite exhaustion and the onset of hypothermia, dove three more times, eventually breaking out the driver's side window in a vein attempt to pull the driver free.

Deputy Lichatowich clearly went above and beyond the call of duty by entering frigid waters in an attempt to rescue two people in the car," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "He dove repeatedly and to the point of exhaustion to locate the occupants and do anything he could to save their lives. His selflessness is an inspiration to us all."

Despite his best efforts, the driver and passenger could not be removed from the vehicle alive.

The second award went to deputies Wayne Lofton, Ken Yohe and Keith Bybee. The three responded to a call June 17 of an overturned boat on the Columbia River near the I-5 Bridge. The officers rushed to the scene and rescued three adults and four children, including an infant atop the boat, from the cold water. All three adults and one of the children were not wearing life jackets. "It is clear that their quick response averted a tragedy. We are proud to honor them with this award," said Rowland.

Other awards given during Oct. 17 ceremonies included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal program, Deschutes County.

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State Police Troopers Honored For Heroic Effort

The Oregon State Marine Board has honored Oregon State Police Troopers David Anderson and Craig Gunderson with a Public Service award for their efforts in rescuing three boaters on March 6 in the Columbia River near Hood River. The board announced the award during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

Troopers Anderson and Gunderson responded quickly, saving the lives of three individuals thrown into extremely cold and rough Columbia River waters," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "None of the victims had life jackets on and all were suffering fatigue and hypothermia. The water temperature was 40 degrees. One victim had a core temperature of 78 degrees at the time of rescue. Without aid from the officers, these three men would likely have perished in a very short time. We are proud to honor the efforts of these two officers," said Rowland.

Other awards given during Oct. 17 ceremonies included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal program, Deschutes County.

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Curry County Officers Honored For Heroic Effort

The Oregon State Marine Board has honored Curry County Sheriffs Dept. Deputy Mike Luzmoor and Captain John Metcalf with a special "Public Service" award for their efforts in rescuing a boater whose driftboat capsized on the Rogue River bar on Oct. 13, 2000. The board announced the award during ceremonies in Klamath Falls on Oct. 17.

Because the Coast Guard was unable to respond quickly, Deputy Luzmoor and Captain Metcalf, at tremendous risk to their own safety, launched a rescue boat from the Port of Gold Beach to respond to the call," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "The officers were able to clear the bar and rescue one victim, as well as recover the body of another passenger thrown from the boat," said Rowland.

This award recognizes the risk these officers took and the service they provided to the community," said Rowland. "We are proud to honor them here."

Other awards given during Oct. 17 ceremonies included: 2001 Marine Program of the Year, Clackamas County; 2001 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Polk County; 2001 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Tom Turk, Columbia County; 2001 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Clay Piper, Wasco County; 2001 Dave Hill Instructors Award, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clatsop County; 2001 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal program, Deschutes County.

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