The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) bestowed marine law enforcement awards to counties throughout the state at a recent meeting in Bend.

Deputy Doug Strain and Corporal Will Coleman of Coos County Sheriff’s Office were the co-recipients of the Tom Rice Instructor Award. Both Deputy Strain and Corporal Coleman have been top instructors over the past year for courses on whitewater, drift and jet boat operation for the OSMB. They each became swift water certified, and developed the self-rescue module that is often used as part of the statewide training. Deputy Strain and Corporal Coleman have also served as instructors at the Oregon Marine Law Enforcement Academy.

“These awards are given to recognize top performance. To give credit to officers who reach above and beyond the requirements,” said Bill Rydblom, Law Enforcement Program Manager for the OSMB. “People’s lives are directly affected by the actions of these officers.”

Other awards announced during the meeting include: Special Award: Program Manager of the Year, to Sergeant Byron Trapp, Lane County; Award of Excellence: Marine Rookie of the Year, to Deputy D.J. Mann, Lane County; Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, to Senior Trooper Don Frerichs, Oregon State Police SW Region; Award of Excellence: Trooper of the Year, to Senior Trooper Marshall Maher, Oregon State Police NW region.

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