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

Senior Trooper Don Frerichs, of the Oregon State Police SW Region, received a Public Safety Officer Life Saving Award, for his efforts on the North Umpqua River. Senior Trooper Frerichs witnessed a woman fall into the rapids while attempting to cross the river. Even though the woman was swept downstream, Senior Trooper Frerichs was able to get ahead of her, wade out into the water, and catch her before she floated past. Senior Trooper Frerichs bravely risked his own life in order to save this woman.

Senior Trooper Marshall Maher, of the Oregon State Police NW Region, received an Award of Excellence for Trooper of the Year. Senior Trooper Maher was the highest producing trooper in the state, by obtaining the largest number of boat contacts, arrests, citations, and boating safety activities. This is the second consecutive year that Senior Trooper Maher has received the Award of Excellence for Trooper of the Year.

“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: Tom Rice Instructor Award, to Corporal Will Coleman and Deputy Doug Strain, Coos County; Special Award: Program Manger of the Year, to Sgt Byron Trapp, Lane County and Sgt. Pat Rowland, Jackson County; Award of Excellence: Marine Rookie of the Year, to Deputy D.J. Mann, Lane County.

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