| OSMB News Releases |
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| For Immediate Release |
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Clackamas County Marine Patrol Honored with Multiple Awards
The Oregon State Marine Board honored law enforcement officers from across the state for their heroic actions and performance at their annual post season conference on October 17, in Bend.
It was June 30, 2007. Deputy Dick Jacobs and Marine Safety Officer Andrew Garrison were patrolling the Willamette River near Meldrum Bar. In the distance, they noticed two persons in the water, about 50 yards from shore. The Deputies observed erratic splashing, so the officers maneuvered closer to get a better look. A few moments later, they realized that the two men were in grave danger, fiercely struggling to keep their heads above water.
One of the persons screamed for help and disappeared below the surface. Suddenly, he broke the surface and thrashed violently, gasping for breath and trying to shout for help. There was other person also trying to get air, and both men were pulling
Sgt. Graham Phalen accepting the Life Saving Awards for Deputy Jacobs and MSO Garrison and Board Member Rick Allen (left) from Madras.
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each other under the water.
The Deputies quickly steered the patrol boat alongside the men. Deputy Jacobs reached over the edge of the boat and grabbed the first man with whatever he could hold onto -his swim trunks and hair. Jacobs was able to retrieve the victim, who was nearly limp from exhaustion.
Meanwhile, MSO Garrison tossed a throw bag to the other person, who had resurfaced, and began reeling him in. Having secured the first victim, Jacobs rushed to help MSO Garrison with the second man. Together, they were able to pull him into the boat and out of harm’s way.
But just when the situation appeared to be resolved, then came an unexpected twist. One of the men began yelling that he wanted to get back into the water. The deputies physically restrained him and attempted to calm him, unsure of the reason for the man’s strange behavior.
After both persons were finally secured in the patrol vessel, they were taken to shore. It was only then that the back-story was revealed. The two individuals had been part of a group outing, consisting of three autistic persons and three caregivers. One of the autistic persons had fled the group and entered the water. A caregiver had bolted after him to bring him back to shore, but it was too late. Once in the water, they were both in danger.
Clackamas County was also recognized for the outstanding achievements of Marine Deputy Nathan Thompson (pictured at the right) who was awarded the Marine Board’s Rookie of the Year. Deputy Thompson conducted 307 boat examinations and reports, issued 54 citations, 115 warnings, conducted 2 hull inspections and apprehended one boat operator for boating under the influence of intoxicants.
Other awards presented during the conference included: Most Improved Yearly Program to OSP -NW Region; Most Improved Seasonal Program to Yamhill County; Program of the Year, OSP –NW Region; Program of the Year –Seasonal to Benton County; Education Award to Klamath County; Education Award –Seasonal Program, to Washington County; Officer of the Year to Deputy Steve Dangler, Multnomah County; Seasonal Officer of the Year to Deputy Jerry Roley, Washington County; BUII Enforcement to Deputy Paul Vitus; Trooper of the Year to Senior Trooper Marshall Maher, OSP Oakridge and Trooper Martin Maher, OSP Cottage Grove; Tom Rice Instructor of the Year to Bernie Altishin, OSMB Cadre; Special Instructor Award to Deputy Jim Drew, Clark County, Washington; Manager of the Year to Lt. Pat Rowland, Jackson County; Program Administration Award of Excellence to Clatsop and Lane Counties; Volunteer of the Year to Bernie Altishin, OSMB Instructor Cadre and Paul Cody, Deschutes County.
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