COLUMBUS, OH -- A total of 30 local marine patrol units and six individuals were recognized today at the Marine Patrol Conference and Awards Program hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
Five of the recipients were honored for their life-saving efforts during emergency situations on Ohio waters. One person also was honored for his years of service to waterway enforcement and boater education. These patrol units also include various law enforcement agencies that were Marine Patrol Grant Assistance Program (MPGAP) recipients last year.
"Participants in the Marine Patrol Grant Program share in a special partnership that allows our agency to serve public needs to the best of our ability," said Jeff Hoedt, ODNR Division of Watercraft chief. "These groups and individuals deserve special recognition for their commitment to waterway safety."
Recognition awards were presented to the following marine patrol units for their participation in the MPGAP during 2000: Butler County Sheriff's Department; Cleveland Police Harbor Unit; Columbus Division of Police (Marine Park Section); Columbus Watershed Management; Five Rivers Metro Park; Hamilton County Sheriff's Department; Henry County Sheriff's Department; Highland County Sheriff's Department; Lake County Sheriff's Department; Lorain Marine Patrol; City of Mansfield (Clear Fork Reservoir); Mahoning County Sheriff's Department; Muskingum County Sheriff's Department; ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves; ODNR Division of Parks & Recreation; Ottawa County Sheriff's Department; Perrysburg Township Police Department; Pickaway County Sheriff's Department; Ross County Sheriff's Department; Sandusky Police Department; Scioto County Sheriff's Department; Toledo Police Department; Trumbull County Sheriff's Department; and the Vermilion Police Department.
An Appreciation Award was given to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department for exemplary participation in the MPGAP.
The Law Enforcement & Education Award was given to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and Put-In-Bay Police Department.
Outstanding Awards were given to the Lucas County Sheriff's Department, Rocky River Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff's Department.
Individual Awards were given in special recognition of life-saving efforts on Ohio waters to state watercraft officers Dean Palmer and Tony DeLong, who work out of the division's Portsmouth office and patrol the Ohio River; state wildlife officer Jeff Carter who is assigned to Ashland County; Charles Mill Park Superintendent Charles Mager; and Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Cartmell.
An Individual Award also was presented to Lt. Bob Danklefsen of the Put-In-Bay Police Department for his years of service to marine law enforcement and education.
The Marine Patrol Awards honor those organizations and people who maintain an ongoing effort to enforce laws and educate the public in boating safety.
For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882