| OSMB News Releases |
 |
|
 |
| For Immediate Release |
|
Lane County and Marine Deputy Honored with Multiple Awards
The Oregon State Marine Board honored law enforcement officers from across the state, for their heroic actions at their annual post season conference on October 17, in Bend.
It was July 1, 2006 when Deputy Paul Vitus patrolled the Willamette River near Hileman Landing. He approached a treacherous stretch of the river, where strainers, snags and root wads pose a threat to river traffic. The deputy then spotted a canoe, which was headed directly toward the hazardous area.
The deputy maneuvered his vessel directly behind them, following at a close distance and keeping a watchful eye on the canoe. With the first snag upon them, the occupants paddled rapidly and steered narrowly around it. Their momentum and the swift current, however, carried them directly into the second snag. The canoe slammed against the snag, ejecting the canoers.
Deputy Vitus shouted directions for them to swim toward the center of the next strainer, which had higher limbs, for easier passage. The victims swam into the strainer in the middle of the river, heeding the instructions of Deputy Vitus while they fought the vicious current. Meanwhile, Deputy Vitus steered his vessel downstream and ran his boat on a gravel bar. The first two people safely made it through the strainer and were rescued. The third and final victim, however, was headed directly for another strainer.
Deputy Vitus tossed a throw bag which landed just past the victim. The victim grabbed the bag and was reeled in toward the patrol boat.
Once all of the victims were safely aboard the vessel, Deputy Vitus assessed the injuries and headed back downstream to recover any salvageable property. They found the canoe wrapped in a root wad, completely destroyed.
Had the deputy not been there to shout instructions and toss the throw bag, the outcome would have most likely been tragic. Due to his prompt and professional actions, Deputy Vitus saved the lives of three people that day.
The Lane County Marine Patrol also received Program Administration Award of Excellence which honors marine programs that submit their reports and information to the Marine Board in a timely and accurate manner, and keep the doors of communication open. This award is dedicated to office staff, deputies, supervisors, command staff and the Sheriff.
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; Rookie of the Year, Deputy Nathan Thompson, Clackamas County; 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.
###
|
|
|
|
