OHIO MARINE PATROLS HONORED AT BOATING CONFLUENCE

COLUMBUS, OH -- A total of 28 local marine patrol units and seven individuals were recognized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft during its 2001 Boating Confluence held this week at Deer Creek State Park near Mt. Sterling.

“Participants in the Marine Patrol Grant Program provide important enforcement and education assistance to Ohio’s boating public,” said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the Division of Watercraft. “We congratulate all of the marine patrol units for their commitment to waterway safety.”

Recognition awards were presented to the following marine patrol units and individual officers:
Outstanding Marine Law Enforcement Agency: Rocky River Police Marine Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol.

Law Enforcement and Education Award: Lucas County Sheriff’s Department, Muskingum County Watershed Conservancy District, Put-in-Bay Police Department, Sandusky Police Department.

Appreciation Award: Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Toledo Police Harbor Patrol Unit.

Recognition Award: Butler County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol Unit, City of Mansfield-Clearfork Reservoir, Cleveland Police Harbor Unit, Columbus Police Marine Park Unit, Five Rivers Metroparks, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Highland County Sheriff’s Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol, Lorain Port Authority Marine Patrol, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol, Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, Perrysburg Township Police Marine Patrol, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department, Ross County Sheriff’s Department, Scioto County Sheriff’s Department, Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department and Vermilion Police Department.

Individual Awards: Butler County Sheriff’s Department Special Deputy Utah Bailey; Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Quincy J. Milem; Lorain Port Authority Officer Ray Farley; Lucas County Sheriff’s Department Lt. R.E. McBroom; Rocky River Police Officer Brett Schwelgin; Sandusky Police Officer James C. Ommert; and Summit County Sheriff Deputy Stacy Campbell.

Earlier this year, the ODNR Division of Watercraft awarded $500,000 in marine patrol grants to assist local patrols in their boating safety and enforcement efforts. The Marine Patrol Grant Program is funded through the state waterways safety fund.