FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Expanded
Sheriff’s Marine Patrol
March 8, 2004
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Brasfield has announced an expansion of the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol through the use of Marine Reserve Deputies and the repositioning of the patrol boat. Historically the patrol boat “Integrity” has remained positioned on a trailer kept at the Sheriff’s Office in Port Hadlock, positioned to respond to emergencies rather than being kept “in the water” to provide routine patrol.
In an effort to increase the visibility and effectiveness of the Marine Patrol unit, Two experienced law enforcement retirees (Tim Perry & Bill Haverstick) living in Port Ludlow have stepped forward to serve as unpaid Marine Reserve Deputies. Four regular Deputies are also being trained to operate the boat when needed. To increase visibility and patrol presence the boat will be kept in the water throughout the spring, summer and early fall, rather than on the trailer. Arrangements have been made with both the Port of Port Townsend and the Port Ludlow Marina to host the vessel on a rotating basis, beginning April 1st.
The “Integrity” was placed into service in February of 2002. She is a custom and locally built 24’ aluminum boat, powered by twin 115 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motors. The vessel is equipped with all the necessary equipment and electronics required for several types of multi-agency emergencies.
Through a contract with Washington State Parks and the United States Coast Guard, the program receives annual funding from the State of Washington and the Federal Government, which partially offsets the costs of manpower, training, equipment and other expenses.
Marine unit services include: marine patrols on all navigable waterways in the county; both fresh and salt water, boater safety services, inspections, criminal investigations of marine related incidents and boating accident investigations. An aggressive policy emphasizes safety of the boating public by enforcing the laws dealing directly with safety equipment and safe boat operation.
The marine patrol unit provides a primary presence on all water related search and rescue activities and provides a platform for the sheriff’s dive rescue/recovery team. The Dive Rescue Team is comprised of two deputies, one reserve deputy and one volunteer. The marine unit and dive rescue team are available and on notice for 24 hour response to any emergency on the water.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission chose Jefferson County Marine Patrol as the winner of the “Marine Law Enforcement Program of the Year for 2002”, primarily through the efforts of Deputy Brian Tracer.