For Immediate Release

Date: October 7, 2005

Malheur 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.

Malheur County Sheriff’s Marine Law Enforcement Program received the Award of Excellence for Education, based on their involvement with local school children in the areas of boating and water safety. In addition, Malheur County has also been involved in proctoring equivalency exams for boater education cards, teaching the Boat Oregon classroom course and providing strong enforcement as it pertained to the boater education card.

“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: Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, to Deputy Jess Stennett, Klamath County; Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, to Deputy Pete York, Klamath 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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