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

Through cooperation with the Marine Board, the Curry County Sheriff’s Marine Law Enforcement program showed the most dramatic improvement for marine programs this year, earning the Most Improved Marine Program award. This award was especially rewarding for Curry County, as deputies Ted Heath and Walter Sherbarth previously voiced their desires to become the most improved program. In addition, Deputy Ted Heath was the runner-up for the Officer of the Year award.

“These awards are given to recognize top performance. To give credit to officers who reach above and beyond the requirements,” said Bill Rydblom, Marine Board 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: Tom Rice Instructor Award, to Corporal Will Coleman and Deputy Doug Strain, Coos 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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