For Immediate Release

Date: October 7, 2005

Jefferson County Marine Law Enforcement Program Honored

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

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Melody Zistel received a Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, for her efforts on Lake Billy Chinook on June 25. Deputy Zistel located a 39-year-old man at the boat launch suffering from an apparent heart attack. She quickly administered CPR, and continued to do so until the EMS transferred the man to Mt. View Hospital.

“These officers save lives through their daily actions,” said Bill Rydblom, Law Enforcement Program Manager for the OSMB. “Without them, boaters wouldn’t feel nearly as safe.”

Other awards announced during the meeting include: Marine Program of the Year: Seasonal Program, to Deschutes County; Award of Excellence: Seasonal Deputy in a Year Round Program, to Deputy Josh Marvin, Linn County; Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, to Deputy Scott McDowell and Sergeant Todd Lautenbach, Multnomah 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.

#####