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November 16, 2005
ROCKY RIVER POLICE OFFICERS HONORED BY ODNR FOR LIFESAVING EFFORT
29 local marine law enforcement agencies also recognized for exceptional service
COLUMBUS, OH - Officers Joseph Boncek and Michael Bernhardt of the Rocky River Police Department in Cuyahoga County were recently recognized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft for exceptional public service to Ohio boaters during 2005.
Boncek and Bernhardt received Individual Awards for saving the life of a Lake Erie boater who fell into rough waters about two miles offshore.
An additional 29 marine law enforcement agencies from across the state were also honored for their exceptional service to boating safety and enforcement during a recent statewide boating conference at Salt Fork State Park Lodge and Conference Center in Guernsey County.
ODNR Marine Patrol Service Awards went to the Rocky River Police Marine Patrol, the Five Rivers Metro Parks in Montgomery County, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the Toledo Police Department.
Marine patrol units from the Sandusky Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office were recognized as the state’s Outstanding Marine Law Enforcement Agencies.
Recognition Award recipients this year included:
Butler County Sheriff’s Office
Geauga Park District
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
Huron Police Harbor Unit
Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
Lorain Port Authority
Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office
City of Mansfield, Clear Fork Lake
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
ODNR Division of Parks & Recreation
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
Perrysburg Township Police Marine Patrol
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office
Port Clinton Harbor Patrol
Portage County Sheriff’s Office
Put-In-Bay Police Department
Ross County Sheriff’s Office
Scioto County Sheriff’s Office
Springfield Township Marine Patrol
Vermilion Police Department
Earlier this year, the ODNR Division of Watercraft awarded more than $540,000 in Marine Patrol Assistance Grants to help local agencies with boating safety and enforcement efforts. The Marine Patrol Assistance Grant program is funded through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a portion of the state motor fuels tax, boat registration and titling fees and a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard.
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