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

Washington County Sheriff Deputies Joe Yazzalino and Brian McLeod both received Public Safety Officer Life Saving Awards for their efforts on Henry Hagg Lake on June 11. Deputies Yazzalino and McLeod rescued a man, his 12-year-old son, and a 12-year-old friend from a capsized canoe. The deputies rescued all three from the cold water, including a 12-year-old boy with a poorly fitted, unbuckled lifejacket. Deputy Yazzalino injured his arm in order to get the boy out of the water and onto safe ground.

“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.”

Deputy Brian McLeod was also recognized for his accomplishments as a Seasonal Deputy in a Seasonal Program. Deputy McLeod took strong ownership of the program by assisting in the administration of the marine program. He strongly enforced boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII) and many other safe boating programs. Deputy McLeod proved his dedication by becoming the highest producing deputy in a seasonal program.

Other awards announced during the meeting include: Marine Officer of the Year: Yearly Program, to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office; 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.

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