OSMB News

Date: October 25, 2002
For Immediate Release

Jackson County Marine Patrol Garners Top Awards

The Jackson County Sheriff Marine Patrol program has received the top award given annually by the Oregon State Marine Board to a Marine Program, the "2002 Marine Program of the Year" award. In addition, the Board honored Jackson County with the top award for its "Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants" efforts and an "Excellent" rating for its water and boating safety educational efforts in local schools.

The awards ceremony honoring marine patrol programs across Oregon was held in Hood River Oct. 9.

"The 'Marine Program of the Year' 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." The top award was split with the Malheur County Sheriff's Marine Patrol, "another excellent program," said Rowland.

Jackson County's BUII efforts have received numerous awards in recent years and were noted again this year. "Once again Jackson County shows us a program that effectively enforces BUII laws," said Rowland. "Of the 158 boaters arrested for BUII in 2002, Jackson County is credited with 41 BUII arrests, with Deputy Joe Puckett alone making 37 of them. It's a remarkable effort." Other counties are gaining ground, though: Multnomah County followed with 37 arrests in 2002 and Oregon State Police marine officers with 35, noted Rowland.

Jackson County was also honored for their efforts in teaching youths in Jackson County schools about water and boating safety. They took their water safety message to 3,492 students in 23 classes during the 2001-2002 school year, helping youths and their families be safe in and near the water.

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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Marine Board Honors Malheur Marine Patrol

The Malheur County Sheriff Marine Patrol program has earned the top award given annually by the Oregon State Marine Board. The board awarded Malheur County the "2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program" during awards ceremonies in Hood River Oct. 9.

"This award is shared with another outstanding program, the Jackson County Marine Patrol Program – it was a tie," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "This award recognizes the outstanding achievements for a full-time marine law enforcement program.

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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Marine Board Honors Clatsop County Officer

The Oregon State Marine Board has named Clatsop County Sheriff Marine Patrol Deputy Willie Nyberg, of Astoria, the "Marine Officer of the Year – Full Time Program." The Board honored Deputy Nyberg during ceremonies in Hood River on Oct. 9.

"This award recognizes the outstanding contributions Deputy Nyberg has made to marine law enforcement in his county and across the state," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "Deputy Nyberg maintains a solid, well-rounded program, meeting and exceeding our boating safety education program goals and objectives. He actively pursues intoxicated boaters, is involved in marine theft cases and worked closely with Coast Guard and other partners to improve boater safety at the mouth of the Columbia River. He is a member of Marine Board's instructors core, working hard to help improve the skills of other marine officers across the state. He always gives 110 percent in any project he's involved in."

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson County and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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Marine Board Honors Sherman County Marine Patrol

The Sherman 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 Sherman County the "2002 Marine Program of the Year" for seasonal programs during awards ceremonies in Hood River on Oct. 9.

"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: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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Board Honors Washington County Officer, Program

The Oregon State Marine Board has named Washington County Sheriff Marine Patrol Deputy Mike Alexander, of Hillsboro, as the 2002 Marine Officer of the Year for a seasonal program. The board honored Deputy Alexander during awards ceremonies in Hood River on Oct. 9.

"This award recognizes the outstanding contributions Deputy Alexander has made to marine law enforcement in his county and throughout 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."

The Washington County Marine Patrol Program was also honored for their hard work in teaching school students about water and boating safety. The county received the top "School Education Award - Seasonal Program" by teaching 3,264 students. "These students in turn take this information home to their families, undoubtedly reducing accidents and saving lives each year," said Rowland.

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson County and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County.

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Marine Board Honors Fallen Josephine County Officer

The Oregon State Marine Board has posthumously honored Josephine County Marine Patrol Deputy Tom Rice for his efforts in training fellow marine officers and for outstanding service as a marine deputy. Deputy Rice died in the line of duty May 23 when a helicopter he was riding in hit a wire and crashed into the Rogue River near Grants Pass.

The "2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award," was awarded to Rice for demonstrating strong ability and tireless dedication to training fellow marine patrol officers and new recruits. Rice was also honored with the "Award of Merit for Outstanding Service." The awards were accepted by Deputy Rice's wife and daughter who attended the awards ceremony in Hood River Oct. 9.

"These awards are a fitting tribute to this very capable and highly respected marine officer," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. "His contribution to his fellow officers, the Marine Board, his community and to boating law enforcement and safety will be sorely missed."

The Dave Hill award was named for former Yamhill County Marine Deputy and long-time Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer Dave Hill. Hill was an outstanding instructor and supporter of marine programs, according to Rowland.

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson County and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington 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 7,400 students during the 2001-2002 school year. The board announced the award during ceremonies in Hood River on Oct. 9.

"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: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson County and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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Clackamas County Marine Patrol Honored

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Marine Patrol Program received top honors for their marine law enforcement efforts in 2002. They received other awards, too, during ceremonies Oct. 9 in Hood River.

"Clackamas received the Outstanding Law Enforcement Award for Yearly Program because they carry a well-rounded program that proactively pursues people who break boating laws, whether it be theft, unsafe operation, boating under the influence or other offenses," said Pat Rowland, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Marine Board. Their arrest, citation and enforcement action numbers are consistently high. If they see a problem area, the focus on it until it is resolved and people understand the issue. They are very effective."

The Clackamas program also received honorable mentions in the categories of Marine Theft Investigations, School Education Program and Yearly Program.

"The Clackamas County Marine Patrol Program has turned in consistently high marks over the years – this year is no different. They are one of the most effective programs in the state," said Rowland.

Other awards given by the board included: 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Full Time Program, Jackson and Malheur County (tie); 2002 Marine Program of the Year – Seasonal Program, Sherman County; 2002 Marine Officer of the year, full-time program, Deputy Willie Nyberg, Clastsop County; 2002 Marine Officer of the Year, seasonal program, Deputy Mike Alexander, Washington County; 2002 Dave Hill Instructors Award, awarded posthumously to Deputy Tom Rice, Josephine County; 2002 BUII Enforcement Award, Jackson County; School Education Award – full-time program, Marion County; School Education Award – seasonal, Washington County.

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