NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 | VOL. 28 NO. 6 SCA National Association of State Boating Law Administrators small craft advisory 2013 OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

Recognizing ANNUAL High CONFERENCE Achievers DEEMED SUCCESS SCA Departments small craft advisory 12 The official publication 2 from the HELM of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators 4 nasbla NEWS President Herb Angell 7 new BLAs Eleanor Mariani Vice President 16 partner PERSPECTIVES Kevin Bergersen Treasurer 40 boating BRIEFS Past President Toby Velasquez 44 coast guard COMMENTS Members-at-Large Tom Guess Darren Rider Stephanie Weatherington

Executive Editor John Johnson, CAE Editors-at-Large features Tom Hayward Ron Sarver, CAE 8

Managing Editor Kimberly Jenkins

Copy Editors Joseph McCullough Fred Messmann

Creative Director Rolando Zerquera Angstrom Graphics

Circulation Director Sam Lynch Editorial Offices 8 Information & Networking 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360 Annual NASBLA Conference provides forum Lexington, KY 40511 for exchange of information Phone: 859.225.9487 Appreciation & Congratulations Fax: 859.231.6403 12 NASBLA recognizes boating safety’s Email: [email protected] rising stars About the Cover 18 National Law Enforcement Juan Gomez, a conservation warden with the Museum takes shape 36 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources since Lasting tribute to fallen officers to 2008, was named the national Boating Officer of tell history of law enforcement the Year. Currently serving Walworth County, he is responsible for over 30 lakes including Lake 20 2013 Boating Officers Geneva, located southwest of Milwaukee and popular with tourists from metropolitan Chicago of the Year and Milwaukee. NASBLA recognizes outstanding WDNR photo marine law enforcement officers

©Small Craft Advisory (ISSM: 1066-2382) 36 Clever consultant secures Published bimonthly by the National Association training of State Boating Law Administrators, Retired BLA orchestrates regional 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360 training series for officers Lexington, KY 40511 (six issues).

Contact NASBLA for permission to reprint articles 1%10%0 at 859.225.9487 and [email protected].

Send change of address to: Small Craft Advisory 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360 Lexington, KY 40511

from the elm Herb Angell John Johnson, CAE H NASBLA President NASBLA CEO Kudos to real-life officers

ore likely than not, when people Regardless of the type of law enforcement to make the waters safe for all to enjoy, he Mthink about careers in law they come from, all marine law enforcement also does considerable education and enforcement, their thoughts officers will respond to the moniker of ‘boat community outreach. “Juan is dedicated to immediately turn to car chases, shoot’em- cop.’ This specialty is often the envy of protecting the citizens enjoying Wisconsin’s ups, and crime scenes. Influence from more traditional law enforcement officers, waters as well as spending time to educate television and video games are the concepts but when it comes down to the end of the youth about the importance of having most often associated with becoming a law day ‘boat cops’ have great days and very safe fun on the water.” Gomez was also enforcement officer. down days. Great days include no recognized as officer of the year for the infractions by the boating public, and down Northern Association of Boating However, the job of law enforcement days are when you end up working a Administrators region. Warden Gomez is officers involves so much more and is also fatality accident. The down days are the the perfect example of what these men so much more rewarding than the trumped- worst – ask any boat cop. and women accomplish daily. up action scenes we see in the movies. The truth goes much, much deeper and harder If you are ever asked what it takes to be a Congratulations also to Mississippi to pin to any one type of law enforcement great boat cop, this edition of Small Craft Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks officer. As a result, one can find a law Advisory is the answer to your question. In Master Sergeant David Holiday, who was enforcement officer in nearly every degree the pages of this magazine lie the stories of selected by the Southern States Boating and specialty out there. the best boat cops in the nation, bar none. Law Administrators Association as the As an administrator, wouldn’t you just love region’s officer of the year for his Officers are first and foremost tasked with to have all these men and women working outstanding boating law enforcement. enforcing the law. Put simply, this means for you!! What a list of all stars they are. their primary job is to make sure that state His nomination states, “With the high laws and local ordinances are being obeyed. Hearty congratulations from our members visibility of officers’ presence and The overall goal is to obtain voluntary and staff goes out to Wisconsin enforcement at Grenada Lake, Officer compliance with the law from citizens. Conservation Warden Juan Gomez, recently Holiday is assigned to the area and works named NASBLA’s Butch Potts Boating Law with fellow officers and Corps of Engineers Law enforcement specialties are as Enforcement Officer of 2013. This marks Park Rangers enforcing boating laws and numerous as the stars in the sky. When it the third time a Wisconsin Department of conducting safety checks. This visibility has comes to boating or marine law Natural Resources conservation warden has caused a decline in the issuance of citations enforcement, a whole specialty comes to netted top honors from NASBLA. “Juan has to boaters. Officer Holiday states that light. Most NASBLA membership comes represented our department at its highest boating laws will be enforced but safety is from the ranks of state fish and wildlife level,” Wisconsin Chief Conservation priority number one.” agencies and parks departments in addition Warden Randy Stark said. “Juan is known to state patrol in some states and sheriff’s for his commitment to safe boating where On April 4, 2012, Sergeant Holiday was departments in other states. In many cases he is stationed, which is a highly populated involved with saving the lives of both marine law enforcement is not much more area with 30 lakes, including the popular stranded boaters and the officers who were than a collateral duty in addition to many tourist area of Lake Geneva.” en route to assisting those boaters on other responsibilities. Grenada Lake. For this, he received an Juan Gomez became a warden in 2008. In Award of Commendation from NASBLA. addition to Gomez’s on-water patrol work (Continued on page 6)

2 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Let’sLet’s makemakkee 22014014 thethe safestsafest yyearear yyet!et!

Celebrating the year of the student In 2013, we made a commitment to put our students, and their safetysafety,, first. WWee launched a prproactiveoactive customer carecare service,s providedprovided a freefreee onlineon paddling course, worked relentlesslyrelee entlessly to improveimprooveve our coursec content, and honoredhonorrede the amazing contributionscontribut of boating safety educators acracrossoss tthehe countrcountry.y.

It was a grgreateat year.yearr.. But we’rewe’rre just getting started. Together,ToToggether, we can make 2014 the safest ever year for boating. Full steam ahead!

Contact 1-877-722-8838 ext. 222 KerrKerryy Moher - kerrkerry@[email protected] NewsNASBLA

2013-14 NASBLA President elected ● Treasurer — Kevin Bergersen, Arizona Game & Fish Department ● Member-at-Large — Darren Rider, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency ● Member-at-Large — Stephanie Weatherington, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission ● Member-at-Large — Tom Guess, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries ● Immediate Past President — Toby Velasquez, New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department

Herb Angell is the 53rd President of the National Association of State Boating Law Development Workshop in Lexington, Ky., Administrators. Dec. 3-5. This inaugural workshop will be heavily attended by Program Managers NASBLA schedules National and Lead Instructors, representing every Instructor Development course offering within the BOAT Workshop Program's 2014 catalog. NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training Program has seen consecutive years of NASBLA would like to announce Herb Agencies receive NASBLA BOAT success and growth since its inception. Angell as the newly elected NASBLA Program accreditation President. The 2013-14 executive board The NASBLA BOAT Instructors are the was installed at the recent Annual foundation of this program, and it is Five more agencies received their final NASBLA Conference: imperative to recognize the importance NASBLA BOAT program accreditation. ● President — Herb Angell, Nebraska and criticality of their efforts. These agencies were recognized during the Game & Parks Commission NASBLA 54th Annual Conference in ● Vice President — Eleanor Mariani, In an effort to continue to cultivate, Boise, Idaho. A total of seven agencies Connecticut Department of improve and enhance its programs, have now received this accreditation. Environmental Protection NASBLA is hosting a National Instructor

4 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory NASBLA panel calls for proposed revisions to the National Paddlesports Education Standards NASBLA's Education Standards Panel has issued a Call for Proposed Revisions to the "Accreditation is the vehicle by which we content of the replicate the elements of our BOAT most currently program and empower those agencies to approved version deliver, maintain and promote NASBLA's of the National national training standards. Serving our Paddlesports member agencies and their maritime Education partners, accreditation is the program Standards changing the way we all serve the boating (which went into public, assuring the safety and security of effect Jan. 1, our maritime domain." said Toby 2009). Submissions are encouraged from any party materially affected by the standard, Velasquez, NASBLA President at the time including NASBLA members and non-members alike. The comment period will close on of accreditation, who now serves as Dec. 2, 2013. NASBLA's Past President. Originally adopted in 2009, the National Paddlesports Education Standards were The following agencies were awarded their developed for use by paddlesports education course instructors, paddlesports education accreditation for 2013: text authors and other paddlesports education professionals who intend to submit ● Ohio Division of Watercraft course materials for NASBLA review and sanction. These standards apply to courses for ● Rhode Island Department of operators of manually propelled recreational boats such as canoes and kayaks. Environmental Management ● Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Input on the standard will be accepted exclusively via the EZ-ESP website, ● Charleston Metro Marine Unit http://esp.nasbla.org/esp. Instructions for submitting comments (including how to obtain ● Wisconsin Department of Natural login credentials for the EZ-ESP website) and documents containing the current Resources, Bureau of Law standard, the reformatted standard and the Education Standards Panel Rules are Enforcement available for download at http://esp.nasbla.org/esp.

Kudos to NASBLA Watermen

Congratulations to Sam Lynch, our director of membership services, and Cal Lawton, our technology guru, who participated in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Ride & Run to Remember. They traveled to Oxon Hill, Md., and completed the 55- mile bike ride Oct. 12. Cal went on to run in the event's 5K the next morning, wearing duty boots and a duty belt configured to represent a NASBLA standard training load-out of 18 pounds!

The Ride & Run to Remember is designed to celebrate and bring awareness to the role of law enforcement in our communities. Net proceeds benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, whose mission is to permanently record and appropriately commemorate the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety. This year's event raised more than $300,000. Sam was the top individual in fundraising for the event and the two-man Watermen team was fourth overall.

Sam and Cal participated in this year's event in memory of Officer Joel Campora with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Officer Campora died while attempting a water rescue in western Arkansas with Scott County Sheriff Cody Carpenter this spring. The pair perished while trying to rescue two women who were stranded by the rising floodwaters.

(Continued on page 6)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 5 NASBLA News (continued from page 5) From the Helm (continued from page 2)

Sign up as bone marrow donor to blood transplant. People can contribute Congratulations as well to Clackamas help son of RBS educator to the cure as a member of the Be The County (Oregon) Sheriff's Office Deputy This year, Clifford Inn, boating educator Match Registry, financial contributor or Nate Thompson, who was named the 2013 with the Hawaii Department of Land volunteer. Be The Match provides Western States Boating Administrators and Natural Resources, has been learning patients and their families one-on-one Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the all about a different danger — blood support, education and guidance before, Year. As the award nomination for Deputy cancers. His son Matthew was recently during and after transplant. Thompson notes: "He is extremely diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia productive in water patrol, is an Oregon & Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Contributions are also welcome to the State Marine Board instructor, and actively (which is rare) and has been in Seattle Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry at pursues opportunities to teach boating and for treatment 2228 Liliha St. #105, Honolulu, Hawaii, water safety education to the community.... since July. 96817. [In 2012] Deputy Thompson completed 1,402 documented contacts -- which is over On Cliff's behalf, the Hawaii DNR urges Feel free to send words of 4% of the entire state total." people to join the national donor registry encouragement to Cliff, his son Matthew or make contributions to the registry. To and the Inn family by visiting Deputy Thompson teaches whitewater jet- sign up, visit the national registry at www.CaringBridge.org. Search for boating and drift-boating to other law- www.BeTheMatch.org and follow the "Matthew Inn" and then sign up, write in enforcement marine teams around the instructions for finding a nearby bone his guestbook or read the family's state, in addition to instructing at the State marrow donor registry drive in your journal. The site also accepts donations. Marine Officer's Academy. He also teaches area. water-rescue techniques to local search- You may also write to Cliff, Matthew and and-rescue groups and at local schools. his family at Operated by the National Marrow Donor Matthew Inn These three boating officers of the year join Program, Be The Match connects c/o Pete Gross House over 40 other men and women nominated patients with their donor match for a 525 Minor Ave. N, #614 by their respective states recognizing life-saving marrow or umbilical cord Seattle, Wash., 98109 ❃ excellence in marine law enforcement. Congratulations to each and every one of them as they set the example for the rest of us to follow. ❃ ENHANCED VESSELEVOC OPERATORS COURSE

We have taken all the security out of the popular Tactical Operators Course and now offer a three-day intense course, teaching advanced vessel operations. Learn what you and your vessel are truly capable of View the course overview at www.nasbla.org/EVOC For more information about NASBLA's training opportunities, visit http://www.nasbla.org/boat

John Fetterman National Association of State Mark DuPont NASBLA Director of Boating Law Administrators National BOAT Law Enforcement 1648 McGrathiana Parkway Program Director [email protected] Suite 360 [email protected] Lexington, KY 40511 859.225.9487 BLAsNEW

Ty Hunter After 10 years of service as a park 350 boats a day on the 1,300-acre lake,” manager, Ty was promoted to his current Kris said. From there he moved on to Utah position as the boating program manager become the senior ranger at Stagecoach Born and raised in for Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. Reservoir, a lake known for cold-water Plain City, Utah – a He was later officially recognized as the fishing. small farming boating law administrator for Utah after community 12 miles the past BLA Dave Harris finished serving Kris worked for the statewide trails northwest of his term on the NASBLA Executive Board program for a year managing capital Ogden – most of this October. projects, then became the boat safety Ty Hunter’s education & outreach coordinator in 2008. recreational boating Among the biggest needs in recreational In addition to being the education experiences have boating safety, he lists education of vessel coordinator, he was – and mostly still is – been based around fishing trips with operators and increased wearing of life involved with boat theft investigations, family and friends. jackets among the most important. As the boat accident investigations, management state’s BLA, he plans to find ways to of Colorado's river outfitter licensing Hunter started his career with Utah increase the number of registered boats program and a law enforcement Division of Parks and Recreation in within the state and build upon the level instructor. December 1997 as a park ranger at Willard of training that RBS officers receive. Bay State Park. Willard Bay is a 10,000- Kris became Colorado’s boating law acre reservoir enclosed by the Arthur V. administrator in August 2013. “The most Watkins dam, which is 36 feet high and Kris Wahlers pressing issue I see is proper 14.5 miles long. Highlights of this Colorado education/training of all boat operators assignment were being member of the Originally from because it affects so many other parts of group that received the Outstanding Team Stover, Missouri, the big picture. With adequate education Award in 1999 and a shift commander Kris Wahlers and his across the board, operators should be able for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt family moved to to make well-informed decisions for Lake City. Colorado in 1999 themselves,” said Kris. “That doesn't mean and have called they always will, so it's also critical to Ty was promoted in October 2002 to Parker home ever balance great education with great assistant manager at Yuba State Park and since. While he’ll enforcement. And it takes away the ‘I then again in June of 2003 to park occasionally borrow didn't know’ excuse.” manager at Utah Lake State Park in Provo. a canoe or kayak While at Utah Lake, he rebuilt a from friends and go to the lake or river with In Colorado, a priority for Kris is to functioning staff and boating program. He his family, Kris enjoys hiking (he’s working address the age for mandatory education. also created a strong working relationship on summiting all of Colorado's fourteeners “Right now, we only require 14- and 15- with the Utah County Sheriff's Office and now), mountain biking, hunting, camping year-olds to go through a boat safety class. received the first-time partnership award and climbing. He’s a member and instructor So if a person doesn't drive a boat until he from the Sheriff's Office Search and for the American Canoe Association and or she is 16, which is the majority, that Rescue Team. He bridged a gap with recently became a leader for his son's Tiger person will never have been exposed to municipal and county government Scout den. the knowledge needed to be a safe boater. leadership, creating trust and partnerships Compare that to going to a car dealership, to assist the local community and the Wahlers joined Colorado State Parks in walking out with a brand-new $45,000 car State Park in recreational endeavors. His 2001 as a ranger at Chatfield Reservoir in and hopping on the interstate without a efforts earned Ty the Park Manager of the the Denver metro area. “That was unique driver's license. No one would ever Year Award in 2008. because of the density of boating; through consider that as reasonable – why is it ❃ the summer, we would average around reasonable for boats?” November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 7 Annual Conference INFORMATION By Kimberly Jenkins & NETWORKING

he National Association of State Pre-conference training described the components of the system, and explained the basic concepts of how T Boating Law Administrators GPS works. On the day before the conference kicked (NASBLA) held its 54th Annual off, Officer Paul Alber with the Palm Beach Police Department debuted the Students learned about the wide variety Conference in Boise, Idaho, GPS Forensics course, which he developed of devices that are on the market and the Sept. 14-18, 2013. This year’s in cooperation with NASBLA’s Boat types of data the devices might hold. Operation and Training Program. They learned the best practices for conference evaluations deem it securing a GPS for examination and the another success, with attendees This introduction to GPS Forensics legal guidelines that must be followed. provides law enforcement officers with a Finally, students learned about the tools satisfied with everything from the foundation for recovering evidence from and software needed to conduct a basic presentations and demonstrations GPS devices and preparing it for examination of a GPS and how to present courtroom presentation. The class the results. to the networking and field trip. covered the history of the GPS system,

8 NASBLA.ORG Opening ceremonies headquartered in Seattle, Wash., opened the conference with his keynote address. He explained how the U.S. Coast Guard is involved in all the states as well as overseas, adding that the American public truly appreciates the Coast Guard’s efforts. He stressed the importance of the partnership between the Coast Guard and NASBLA, citing numerous resulting accomplishments, including 2012’s record-low number of recreational boating-related fatalities. He emphasized uniformity among the states and implementation of quick phase-in education programs as key to an educated public. He closed by Larry Bowling with the National Transportation commending all involved in RBS for Safety Board provides revealing data on the risk their dedicated efforts. associated with commercial parasailing

Rear Admiral Richard Gromlich addresses attendees uniform standards and regulations to during his keynote speech. General sessions govern commercial operation.

This year’s conference attendees Larry Bowling with the National Larry Meddock, executive director of the enjoyed a rare treat. During the Transportation Safety Board kicked off Water Sports Industry Association, spoke opening ceremonies, the Boise Police the general sessions with an eye-opening next, explaining how the WSIA, at the Department’s honor guard presented presentation on the risks associated with Coast Guard’s request, has begun the colors amid the haunting sounds commercial parasailing. The Board’s joint developing national parasailing safety of a bagpipe. Two members of the guard investigations with the Florida Fish & standards. With poor weather being a regaled the attendees by performing Wildlife Conservation Commission and factor in many accidents, the WSIA and completely a cappella with reverence, the U.S. Coast Guard of several ASTM International, with the help of the honor and military-like precision parasailing accidents show that tow lines entire parasail industry, approved its "The Star Spangled Banner." are failing below manufacturers’ stated first national industry safety standard on strengths and inappropriate repairs to weather. The WSIA is working on four Later, Rear Admiral Richard T. Gromlich, equipment are common. Bowling stressed additional safety standards that it hopes who serves as commander of the the need to raise public awareness to the to have adopted by April 2014. Thirteenth Coast Guard District risks and to develop and implement (Continued on page 10)

NASBLA.ORG 9 Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine force multipliers to help save boaters’ discussing some updates to the bylaws, Retailers Association of the Americas, lives. He pointed out that with upcoming NASBLA leadership presented discussed the importance of collaboration budget cuts, Boat Forces will rely on states representatives from the Ohio Division of and the need to educate boaters. He cites a even more. Watercraft; Rhode Island Department of lack of education as a barrier to entering Environmental Management; Texas Parks boating and provided information on an A paddlesports panel provided insight on a and Wildlife Department; Charleston initiative aimed at recruiting youth into number of issues, including safety Metro Marine Unit; and Wisconsin recreational boating. concerns, user conflicts and registration Department of Natural Resources, Bureau challenges. Fred Messmann, deputy of Law Enforcement with framed Opening with the fact that 57 million director of the National Safe Boating certificates in recognition of receiving people have a disability, Janet Zeller, Council, discussed Boat Pro Point of Sale, full accreditation under NASBLA's national accessibility program manager an innovative program for educating sales BOAT Program. with the U.S. Forest Service, discussed professionals on how to help boaters make accessibility and universal design of good decisions when buying safety The conference committee announced that programs and facilities. She explained that equipment. the 2014 Annual NASBLA Conference will water is the ultimate equalizer – a way for be held Oct. 16-19 in Bar Harbor, Maine and everyone, despite their abilities, to enjoy Next, a variety of representatives from the 2015 conference in Wichita, Kansas. the outdoors. The U.S. Access Board is NASBLA’s partner organizations provided developing guidelines under the ADA for updates on their grant projects, including Following NASBLA’s official business, Jeff access to passenger vessels. The guidelines the Wear It! Campaign, a life jacket loaner Hoedt, chief of the U.S. Coast Guard are available for comment through program, and trends in paddlesports. Boating Safety Division, discussed Regulations.gov until Jan. 24, 2014. recreational boating safety statistics with Alaska Boating Law Administrator Jeff regards to the National RBS Strategic Plan’s Representatives from the Coast Guard Johnson, who’s serving as chair of goals and objectives. The 2012 boating provided an update. Capt. Tom Boross, the NASBLA’s Education Standards Panel, statistics show significant improvement; in new chief of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of provided an update on the group’s work, fact, deaths decreased from 758 in 2011 to Auxiliary and Boating Safety, discussed the and Brian Dorval discussed the progress of 651, marking an all-time low. Registered move of Headquarters to a new location the National On-water Instruction boats continue to decline with expectations and the status of the Sport Fish Restoration Standards Team. that the 2013-2014 registrations will be & Boating Trust Fund which will expire in even lower. This means that the monies for 2014 unless Congress takes action to either Closing out the conference, an grants and state support could decline. extend it or pass the proposed updated accreditation panel provided information version. Support for this effort will be and insight on going through the NASBLA Hoedt also provided updates on a number needed in the upcoming months. BOAT Program accreditation process. of regulatory projects, including the North American Life Jacket Standard, propeller Capt. Boross then took time to thank the Annual business meeting strike avoidance and the accident reporting various groups present, including vendors, system. He then provided preliminary regulators, volunteers and first responders, results from the RBS Survey. for their commitment to recreational boating safety, encouraging continued Next, John Shanks, acting senior director of vigilance in addressing “the menacing development & law enforcement relations scourge that is boating under the with the National Law Enforcement influence.” Next, he discussed the Coast Officers Memorial Fund, discussed the Guard’s objectives, the primary one being organization’s annual Ride & Run to to improve recreational boating safety. Remember event and National Police Week, He then presented a challenge: What are encouraging conference attendees to we going to do next in regards to reducing participate. boating-related deaths and injuries? He discussed the 2011 resolution on Field trip mandatory life jacket wear and a cost benefit analysis to determine whether Conference attendees enjoyed an afternoon to proceed. Members hear updates and discuss topics during the annual business meeting. field trip to Boise River Park to learn how the city transformed a low-head dam into a Jeff Wheeler, deputy chief of the Coast NASBLA’s annual business meeting served popular play spot for paddlesports Guard’s Office of Boat Forces, discussed to wrap up the previous year’s business enthusiasts. The City of Boise has diverted NASBLA’s Boat Operations and Training and to begin the next year’s work. After the Boise River and created a wave park as Program and how it functions to provide hearing the treasurer’s report and part of a larger park complex which

10 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Tammy Terry provided an overview of data that’s available from BARD and other sources for use in teaching boating safety. Exhibits

A trip to the Boise River Park provides conference attendees the chance to check out an innovative way to repurpose low-head dams.

includes a lake and will have other water from the interrelationship between related activities. human, technological and environmental Conference attendees enjoy chatting in the exhibit hall factors. between sessions. Opened in 2012 and constructed primarily from private donations, the $3.6 million Another popular breakout was the Opening during the President’s Reception, project features two state-of-the-art interactive Hands-on Education the exhibit hall became a popular spot in waveshapers designed with pneumatically presentation by a group of education the mornings and during breaks. Nearly operated air bladders that inflate to coordinators from different agencies. 30 companies set up booths, with the elevate stainless steel flashboards. Wave Providing demonstrations of creative, range of products and services including technicians adjust the flashboards to interactive activities, this session let safety education products, data control the size and shape of the waves. participants experience firsthand these management applications, boat and motor fun, educational activities. manufacturers, search and rescue equipment, safety and security products, Breakouts ❃ Kansas Education Coordinator Erika among others. Brooks discussed Boat Safe, Road Safe, a partnering concept for cross-promoting highway and waterway safety. Tennessee Education Coordinator Betsy Woods provided a helpful tutorial on NASBLA Connect, a resource that provides a Were you unable platform for discussion, document to attend the searching, and announcements. conference? Or, if you did attend, National Accessibility Program Manager would you like to Janet Teller provided a follow-up to her revisit a presentation? Breakout sessions provide conference attendees with a With NASBLA’s Digital Hub, checking variety of information. general session and addressed individual questions on accessibility and universal out the educational content from our The last day kicked off with a variety of design. Brian and JoAnne Dorval provided conference and other events is as easy as breakout sessions. One breakout an update on a national validation a click of the mouse. garnering a lot of attention was a program for on-water powerboat presentation on recreational boating standards. The Digital Hub houses informative and accidents. Ernie Marshburn, director of educational materials and videos from the Office of Research Development in Capt. Dan Kindig and Lt. Ben Keyes, with NASBLA events. PowerPoint the Office of the Vice Chancellor for local sheriff’s offices, discussed Idaho’s presentations along with audio feed Research and Graduate Studies at East unique boating program, in which county from the 54th Annual NASBLA Carolina University, dispelled the belief sheriffs are responsible for enforcing Conference are available now. Access that accidents are primarily attributable boating safety laws. In Data Mining for the Digital Hub via a link on NASBLA’s to human or technological factors. He Educators, Alaska Education Coordinator homepage, http://www.nasbla.org. demonstrated how, instead, accidents Joe McCullough and Ohio Recreational occur through a chain of events stemming Boating Accident Program Manager

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 11 Appreciation& Congratulations

NASBLA’s leadership recognized Gionet’s background is unique to Keys in 1981. He maintained a focus on numerous outstanding individuals recreational boating. He joined New York’s boating safety issues throughout his robust and organizations throughout the boating safety office following a career as an career, and his efforts have made significant organization’s annual conference. officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine where impact at both the state and national levels. These award recipients have he sailed as second officer aboard heavy lift Recreational boating is a safer and more vessels as well as aboard the reserve fleet enjoyable activity due to his commitment, provided invaluable assistance to during the first gulf war. Gionet is a and there are many recreational boaters who NASBLA in undertaking its graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine are alive today as a result of Brown’s passion multitude of strategic objectives. Academy at Kings Point and holds a for boating safety. bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science. As Florida’s boating law administrator, he In 1999, following New York’s first major played a significant role in the creation of rework of its boater education statute, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Gionet took on the task of updating the Commission when the Florida Marine Patrol entire program from the creation of a new and Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish instructor/student database to the writing of Commission were merged in 1999. New York’s own textbook and associated Boating lesson plans. Today nearly 20,000 students In 2002, he was appointed major over the annually complete this course of instruction Boating and Waterways Section and worked in the classroom. his way up to colonel of law enforcement, where he provided great leadership to nearly AwardSafety As a result of Gionet’s work, each of New 1,100 personnel responsible for recreational York’s 700+ instructors uses the same boating safety and protecting people, teaching materials. Program property, fish and wildlife. advancements pioneered by Gionet Peter Gionet include the issuance of credit-card sized Col. Brown was heavily involved in efforts New York boater cards, an online course posting to improve boating safety in the Keys and Peter Gionet has been directly involved in page, an electronic version of the textbook across the state. He was instrumental in the New York’s recreational boating education and a companion PowerPoint package. development of some of the earliest program for nearly 25 years, during which standards for conducting boating accident time he has developed and investigations. He also overseen every aspect actively worked with of the state’s Florida’s boater education Legislature for program. His the passage of ongoing AwardBonner Florida's efforts boater garnered him education the Boating Colonel Jim Brown law, dive flag Safety Award, Florida law, and a which is variety of other sponsored by Col. Jim Brown retired from conservation critical boating the National Safe and boating law enforcement in May 2013 safety laws and Boating Council. after a long and distinguished career that regulations. began with the Florida Marine Patrol in the

12 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory AwardCompass AwardInnovations AwardLegislative

Ohio Department of Commander Dan Shipman The Honorable Senator Natural Resources 13th Coast Guard District Frank Wagner Watercraft Division Commander Dan Shipman, Recreational Virginia The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Boating Safety Specialist for the 13th Coast State Senator Frank Wagner of Virginia (ODNR), Division of Watercraft created a Guard District received the Innovations Beach, Va., provided exemplary legislative water survival course for Award, which is sponsored by Kalkomey leadership as the primary sponsor of Senate their own officers, Enterprises, Inc., parent company of Boat Ed, Bill 1117, Virginia Uniform Certificate of and then worked for his perseverance in delivering the Title for Watercraft Act. The law provides a with NASBLA’s Coastal Bar Warning and Information consistent and sensible system for Enforcement System in the coastal harbors of Oregon registration of boats and is intended to & Training and Washington. conform to U.S. Coast Guard regulations Committee regarding preferred mortgages for to further The system provides boaters with real-time watercraft. It passed both Virginia Senate develop and access to information regarding Coastal Bar and House of Delegates with overwhelming expand the conditions using computers, smart phones support and was signed into law by Officer Water and low-power AM radio technology to Governor Bob McDonnell on April 3, 2013. Survival Course broadcast safety information in nearly real under NASBLA’s time. Since the system Through Senator Wagner’s diligence and BOAT Program. was implemented, patronage, the commonwealth of Virginia the number of became the first state in the nation to pass Next, the ODNR Division of Watercraft phone and VHF the Uniform Certificate of Title for Vessels donated instructor time and travel radio calls has Act, and the recreational boaters of Virginia costs to deliver a series of tuition-free decreased by and the nation are on their way to an course offerings over the summer of about 30 improved system of identifying a vessel’s 2013. These course offerings went far percent and is chain of ownership and providing for a beyond the two-day Officer Water expected to better environment for marine finance. Survival Course; they also included an further additional three-day train-the-trainer decrease as use Editor’s Note: Senator Wagner will receive his module. Those graduates now have full of the system award early next year. access to the NASBLA curriculum and are becomes more contractually allowed to deliver that widespread. training within their own agency and to their partners. One reason for the success of the system is the new partnership between the NOAA and “As a fully engaged member of NASBLA, the USCG, as both agencies benefit from ODNR Division of Watercraft could not immediate access to weather patterns and have presented this association and our sea conditions when forecasting. Other members with a greater gift,” said NASBLA NOAA and Coast Guard regions are Lifetime President Toby Velasquez when presenting considering this system to assist with the award. “Through their vision, talent and distributing timely safety information. This leadership they have lead the way in the system also may be used in multi-agency creation of NASBLA’s newest course. They efforts to address other water safety and AwardAchievement have more importantly given us a compass drowning-prevention issues. bearing on how we define the relationship between this Association and the members John Annino we serve.” Connecticut John Annino’s 30-plus year career has exemplified professionalism and expertise in recreational boating safety education. He began his career with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

(Continued on page 14)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 13 (DEP) in the Ohio Historical Canoe Route One of his most significant 1983 as a Association – a group still in existence accomplishments was the development volunteer today. and implementation of the Public School boating Boating and Water Safety Manual and safety In the early 1980s French was promoted to Program. Many public schools have used instructor the post of chief of operations, which he the program with favorable results. He also teaching the served in until 1984 when he moved out founded the Pennsylvania Water Rescue Basic Boating West to become Washington’s first boating Training Program which was then adopted Program, which he law administrator. French built by the National Association for Search and did passionately for 10 Washington’s Recreational Boating Safety Rescue (NASAR). He served as director of years. Annino then worked for the Program from the foundation and set the this national program from 1987 to 1997. department on a seasonal basis, assisting trajectory for the program as it is today. Chambers retired from Pennsylvania Fish the education coordinator in administering Over the course of his career, French has and Boat Commission in 1995. the boating education program. In on the served on various NASBLA boards and ground floor of Connecticut’s mandatory committees, including a term as NASBLA Chambers has been the executive director safe boating and personal watercraft President in 1993. for the Council since 1996, where he served education programs, Annino taught basic as the technical content advisor in direct boating classes leading to certification for An extremely hard worker, French is truly support of the Council’s education and his own company and in 1999 was hired to devoted to recreational information programs. supervise DEP’s Boating Education Unit. boating safety. Last October, just He was responsible for the planning and In addition to the professionalism he before heading to development of the year-round national brought to the, now, DEEP in Spokane for the boating safety awareness campaign administering the boating education and agency’s administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. He certification program, Annino will leave annual marine also served as a representative of the the department a better place through his law Council to national and international long list of achievements, including: enforcement boating and water safety organizations. • Developing a Quality Boating Teacher conference, Proficiency Certificate Program for all French boating safety instructors statewide; underwent • Bringing California’s AquaSmart emergency surgery to program to Connecticut’s treat a detached retina in his right eye. Since schoolchildren; the surgery went well, French insisted on • Bringing on-water boating education driving to the conference to teach the to Connecticut and ensuring that Adventures in Boating Instructor class that President ’s instructors are certified by the he’d been prepping for the entire summer. Award National Safe Boating Council.

Additionally, Annino has assisted NASBLA by serving on the association’s education committee in numerous capacities for almost 15 years. He is currently a member of the newly formed Education Standards NASBLA Panel that seeks ANSI accreditation for Award NASBLA’s education standards. Virgil Chambers, James French National Safe Boating Council Washington In 1978, after serving our country with James French began his career in Ohio in distinction, both as a public school teacher 1963 as one of the first 16 officers hired for in the classroom and as a the state’s Division of Watercraft. Within a highly decorated few years he was promoted to Marine soldier on the field Patrol Coordinator and began organizing of battle, Virgil annual Marine Patrol Symposiums. Chambers French, along with other Division became chief of John M. Johnson, CAE, employees, led an effort to create the the Boating NASBLA CEO and Executive first swift-water training programs Safety and Director, for his quick actions, genuine offered by a government for first Education support and dedicated efforts during a responders. Alongside him in that effort Division for the significant medical event. was Pam Dillon, NASBLA’s current Pennsylvania Fish education director. In 1983, French created and Boat Commission.

14 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Ron Sarver, CAE, NASBLA recommendations for the mooring buoy administrator before joining the Coast Deputy Director, for his quick management plan. The agency held a public Guard's headquarters staff. actions, genuine support and dedicated informational meeting and requested efforts during a significant medical event. feedback from the public about the findings As the chief of the ODNR Division of and recommendations in the plan. In Watercraft, he worked with the state’s Darren Rider, Tennessee BLA, conjunction with public review of the plan, volunteer advisory group to navigate the for his quick actions, genuine support and DNR also conducted a State Environmental legislative and political processes, resulting dedicated efforts during a significant Policy Act review, with another public in widespread support for additional state medical event. comment period. The Board of Natural gasoline tax revenues for boating. He also Resources adopted the plan on April 3, 2013. helped implement a number of important Chief Rodger Norcross, customer-focused improvements, including Ohio Department of Natural the introduction of mandatory boater Resources, for his inspiring education, a new online boat registration participation in NASBLA and its many system and an increased enforcement programs. William B. presence on the state’s waterways. Capt. Spencer Cole, Over the last several years, Hoedt has Louisiana Department of worked diligently with the U.S. Coast Guard to seek Congressional action for a Wildlife and Fisheries, for his Garner federal mandate for boater education and to inspiring leadership of the organization’s seek NBSAC guidance relative to Preparedness & Response Committee. mandatory life jacket wear for recreational National boaters on vessels under 19 feet long, on all PWC and human-powered vessels, and for any person towed while engaged in Boating watersports. Under his oversight and direction, the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated the first-ever Waterways Safety national boater survey to establish baseline measures of effectiveness and to document boater attitudes and behaviors. Also during anagement Leadership Hoedt’s watch and with the support of the MAward Award National Boating Safety Advisory Council, the USCG shepherded the development of two long-term strategic plans for the Lisa Randlette and the Jeffrey Hoedt National RBS Program to guide dozens of Aquatic Resources Program Coast Guard Division RBS partners toward a common goal of Washington of Boating Safety casualty reduction. ❃ Lisa Randlette led the effort to develop the Jeffrey Hoedt, chief of the Coast Guard Quartermaster Harbor Mooring Buoy Division of Boating Safety, has had an Management Plan to address long-term important impact on both state and federal conflicts arising from recreational mooring policy outcomes for more than three buoys in an environmentally sensitive decades by leveraging his unique career portion of the Puget Sound. The plan, path within the National RBS which dovetails with an over-arching plan Program to achieve success at for the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve, is an multiple levels. excellent example of an agency working Editor’s Note: with the stakeholders to resolve conflicts, He began his career in The Boating Officer facilitate navigation, minimize 1979 as a watercraft of the Year and environmental effects, and enhance the officer with the Ohio Boating Educator of recreational boating experience. Department of the Year awards were Natural Resources, also presented during After reviewing physical and and then served as the conference. To environmental conditions in Quartermaster assistant district read more about the Harbor, meeting with waterfront supervisor in officers, turn to page Cleveland, Idaho’s 20. To read more landowners, members of the local boating law administrator, about the educators, community, and boaters, and conducting assistant chief of the State see the Sept-Oct 2013 surveys and inventories of existing Affairs Branch at Coast Guard Small Craft Advisory. mooring buoys, DNR developed a list of Headquarters, and Ohio’s boating law

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 15 PARTNER PERSPECTIVES Craig W. Floyd Chairman National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

rom the State of Alabama, Loyd C. regardless of the dangers involved.” Hays, Frank Stewart Jr., Walter E. In valor Certainly, the same could be said about the Sawyer . . . from the State of natural resources officers and men and FWyoming, Clifford Dean Stevens, women of the U.S. Coast Guard who have Kirk D. Inberg.” About three years ago, I given their lives in the name of public safety. had the opportunity to attend the 50th there is anniversary conference of the National Just the day before the memorial service, Association of State Boating Law my wife and I had visited Pearl Harbor Administrators (NASBLA). To where 2,400 members of our military were commemorate this special anniversary, killed when the Japanese planes attacked about 250 boating law administrators, on the morning of December 7, 1941. We boating safety education specialists, took a short boat ride out to the USS marine patrol officers, Coast Guard Arizona Memorial, which honors the 1,177 representatives and other recreational lives that were lost when the battleship boating safety stakeholders assembled in was sunk by Japanese bombers. It is a Honolulu, Hawaii. As part of the opening powerful memorial, especially knowing ceremonies, a memorial service was held that the remains of those who died that to honor the 128 natural resources officers hop e day are still entombed in the ship’s bowels and U.S. Coast Guardsmen who had been directly below the monument. Oil from killed in law enforcement service during Given that the conference was held the ship still leaks to the surface some 70 NASBLA’s 50-year existence. The names September 11, 2010, I opened my remarks years later. were solemnly read one by one in order of with a special tribute to the 72 law the state in which they served. enforcement officers who were killed in The visit reminded me of the parallel the terrorist attacks of 9/11—the deadliest between the sacrifices made by our sailors I had accompanied my wife, Veronica, day in law enforcement history. I told and soldiers, and the sacrifices made by then-chair of the National Safe Boating them about a friend of mine, Scott our law enforcement professionals. Both Council, on the trip to the conference. For Williamson, a New York City police groups of patriots stand ready to risk their me, it was a vacation, but I very much officer, who had lost many friends on that own lives for the safety and security of wanted to be a part of the memorial fateful day. When I visited with Scott at their nation. The conduct and service of service to this special group of fallen Ground Zero one week after the attacks, those who serve in the military and law American heroes. John Johnson, NASBLA’s he said, “There is one thought that gives enforcement define the words inscribed executive director, graciously arranged for me comfort at this difficult time. Those on the National Law Enforcement Officers me to speak before the honor roll of fallen officers were right where they wanted to Memorial in Washington, D.C., “In valor officers was read. be, doing exactly what they wanted to be there is hope.” ❃ doing. They lived for that moment when they could help innocent people in need,

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..CY/GOQTKCNQTI1HƒEGTUCY/GOQTKCNQTI1HƒEGTU t the core of the National Law forensic evidence and solve crimes in National A Enforcement Museum is the idea Take the Case, sponsored by Target, and that law enforcement is essential much more. to a democratic society. Throughout history people have put their lives on the Other major exhibits will focus on the line for our freedom. Rooted in this fact, history of policing, specialized law the Museum will be a natural extension enforcement units, “tools of the trade,” Law to the National Law Enforcement Officers and a captivating look at a day in the life Memorial—a lasting tribute to those of an officer. The Reel to Real exhibit will Enforcement nearly 20,000 U.S. peace officers who allow visitors to compare real-life law were killed or died while doing their jobs. enforcement to depictions in some of But the Museum won’t just be a quiet their favorite movies and TV shows, MUSEUM place for reflection. It will go “behind the while rotating exhibits in the DuPont badge” to tell the rich story of American Gallery will focus on popular topics in law law enforcement through interactive enforcement, such as the role K-9s play in takes shape exhibits, a comprehensive collection of policing. artifacts, robust resources for research, and diverse educational programming. Highlights of the Collection, from Eliot Ness to RoboCop Step into an Officer’s Shoes… By Cary Arberg The Museum’s artifact collection Communications & Special Located adjacent to the Memorial in currently comprises more than 17,000 Projects Associate Washington, D.C.’s historic Judiciary objects, including a sheriff’s writ from National Law Enforcement Officers Square, the 57,000-square-foot, mostly- 1703 (the earliest artifact in the Memorial Fund underground institution will be a world- collection); objects associated with class experiential Museum where visitors infamous crimes, such as the wanted may assume the role of a police dispatcher poster and trial pass from the 1932 in the Motorola 911 Emergency Ops Lindbergh baby kidnapping case, and the exhibit, make split-second decisions posed infamous Chevrolet Caprice and complete by the judgment simulator, analyze inventory of evidence from the 2002

18 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Washington, D.C.-area sniper The story of law enforcement and the participating agencies are permitted to investigation; as well as objects related to stories of law enforcement officers are a use up to 15 percent of the total federal lawmen and criminals, like the original deep and rich well of information, equitable sharing fund in support of law enforcement credentials that history, and drama upon which to draw,” community-based programs by private, belonged to Eliot Ness of Untouchables said Joe Urschel, National Law non-profit organizations that are fame, and gangster Al Capone’s bullet- Enforcement Museum Executive “supportive of and consistent with a law resistant vest. Also in the collection are Director. “They are the building blocks of enforcement effort, policy, or initiative.” handcuffs, nightsticks, and other tools a great museum, and I look forward to and equipment dating back to the 1850s, putting them in place along with the Since gaining DOJ approval, 225 agencies along with pop culture items, including bricks and mortar, glass and steel of the have participated in raising more than the RoboCop II movie costume and one Museum’s physical structure." $1.5 million to make the Museum a of Jack Bauer’s sweatshirts from the reality. Individual agencies have donated television show, 24. How Can your Agency Help? as much as $250,000—and each donation One way law enforcement agencies can helps. We thank all those agencies and Construction Status contribute to the National Law individuals who have helped to support Like most ambitious endeavors, the Enforcement Museum is through the Museum project thus far. National Law Enforcement Museum utilizing crime money or asset forfeiture project has been a collective effort (of law funds your agency has acquired. As The ability for your agency to help us enforcement agencies, corporate retired Orange County (FL) Sheriff Kevin bring local and national attention to the partners, and individual supporters) that Beary said, “Why not use money seized profession and legacy of law enforcement has gradually progressed from a lofty from criminals to help build the first is very significant. This Museum is your dream to a concrete plan—and, in just a National Law Enforcement Museum?” Museum. We hope you will consider asset few short years—to a reality. By the end Just last year, more than $453 million was forfeiture and artifact donations as ways of 2012, all building and exhibit design provided in equitable sharing funds from for your agency to become directly documents were completed. And in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to involved in the creation of the first-ever August 2013, the District of Columbia local and state law enforcement agencies. National Law Enforcement Museum. issued building permits to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial As you know, asset forfeiture money For additional information regarding Fund to construct the National Law from the DOJ has very restrictive state or federal asset forfeiture funds to Enforcement Museum at 444 E St. NW, in guidelines in its use. For instance, support the National Law Enforcement Judiciary Square. HJ Sims will provide agencies cannot use these funds to pay Museum, contact John Shanks at financing for the construction of the for day-to-day purchases, salaries, or 202.737.8529 or [email protected]. Museum through the offering of equipment. However, in 2008, the DOJ municipal bonds to institutional and granted law enforcement agencies the For information regarding potential retail clients. Additionally, the Museum opportunity to donate a portion of asset artifact donations to the National Law signed a contract with Clark forfeiture funds to support the creation Enforcement Museum, visit Construction to begin building the core of the National Law Enforcement http://www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org and shell of the Museum. Once the bond Museum. Under DOJ regulations, /the-collection/donate-an-artifact.html.❃ offering closes, construction will begin, with a planned opening in 2016.

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 19 The responsibilities of today’s marine law enforcement officers encompass a broad range of disciplines. Officers on the water do much more STARS than patrol and enforce fish and wildlife conservation and boating laws. Rising to a new level of public expectation and performance, they educate the boating public, conduct on the homeland security patrols, respond to environmental and natural disasters, and conduct search, rescue and recovery WATER while undergoing rigorous training and professional development. Often these officers go well beyond the call of duty, and we honor these 2013 boating law enforcement officers in the following pages.

Boating The National Association of State Boating Law Law Administrators created the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Enforcement in 2000 to recognize outstanding officers. This Officers year we had nominees from 42 states and territories. The officers described in the of the following pages represent the top boating law enforcement Year officers in the nation.

20 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory National Boating Officer of the Year

Conservation Warden Juan Gomez Wisconsin

During the 54th Annual NASBLA Milwaukee Big Bang, and the Okauchee instrumental in closing the case, while Conference, Conservation Warden Juan Tie-Up. Enforcement efforts at the 2012 providing information to family members, Gomez was named the national Boating Okauchee event yielded 21 drunken boat community residents, and partner Officer of the Year. Warden Gomez has driving arrests and one on-the-road agencies. been a conservation warden with the driving arrest. Warden Gomez organizes Wisconsin Department of Natural the annual Lake Beulah tie-up boating Warden Gomez began the daunting task of Resources since 2008, currently serving group check. This event involves 10 resolving mooring buoy issues on Lake Walworth County. He is responsible for conservation wardens and local boat Geneva. He organized a fly-over of Lake over 30 lakes including Lake Geneva, patrol unit officers. Gomez arranged for Geneva to photograph the lake and each located southwest of Milwaukee and the Field Operations Support Unit trailer of the mooring buoys and then used GPS popular with tourists from metropolitan to be deployed as a “portable precinct” for to further document the placement of the Chicago and Milwaukee. testing operators for blood alcohol mooring buoys. He then partnered with concentrations. Wardens arrested eight the local pier installation company (who Warden Gomez is a strong advocate for boat operators for OWI. places the buoys), the local Recreational safe boating throughout Wisconsin, Safety Warden, and a retired warden, dedicated to protecting the citizens Warden Gomez investigated three fatal while also reviewing court documents and recreating on lakes in Wisconsin as well as boating accidents. A 2012 fatal accident department records to determine the educating youth. He has proactively involved a pleasure boat and a personal legality of the mooring buoys. addressed boating problems in his area, watercraft that was operated by an Illinois specifically operating while intoxicated law enforcement officer. The investigation Warden Gomez’s commitment to boating (OWI) enforcement. In 2012, he issued 37 was very complex and Warden Gomez safety and education has certainly made citations and 66 warnings for boating diligently worked on collecting facts, Wisconsin waters a safer place to recreate. violations, including 10 for OWI. evidence, and interviewing suspects and His desire to focus on OWI operators has witnesses for prosecution. His bilingual resulted in boating safety being treated as In addition, Warden Gomez participated in skills enabled him to successfully a priority by area boaters, other agencies, major OWI enforcement efforts at special interview several witnesses, and his and local courts. events at the Beloit River Fest, the persistence and attention to detail were

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 21 REGIONAL BOATING OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

Southern Region Boating Western Region Boating Officer of the Year Officer of the Year

Master Sergeant Deputy David Holiday Nate Thompson Mississippi Oregon

Master Sergeant David Holiday graduated in May of 1999 from Deputy Nate Thompson is a valuable and respected asset to the the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Marine Board, with a bachelor of science degree in Forestry and a minor in other sheriff departments, and search and rescue organizations Wildlife Management. He was hired by the Mississippi across the state of Oregon. His skill and dedication to serving Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks as a conservation Oregon’s boaters is exemplary and is demonstrated in many ways. officer in July 1999 and is assigned to Montgomery County. In 2012, he completed 1,402 documented boater contacts, which is During his 14 years with the department, working boating more than four percent of the statewide total for all marine safety details on Grenada Lake has been one of his primary officers. He has an excellent rapport with boaters in his county duties. In performing these duties he worked countless boating because of his high level of contacts, but he is also an avid angler incidents, nine drowning and several recovery operations during and freely shares his knowledge with boaters. This rapport is 2012. Officer Holiday is also a member of the department’s effective at gathering information on violators, including poachers Special Response Team that performed search and rescue efforts and other illegal operation. during the Mississippi River flood in 2011 and the flooding caused by Hurricane Isaac in 2012. In 2012, Dep. Thompson gave 36 one-hour boat- and water-safety classes to schools in his area, reaching 824 students. He has Officer Holiday is involved with the Spirit of America Safe developed effective slide presentations designed to keep the Boating Day Camp sponsored by the U. S. Army Corps of interest of different age groups while informing them about key Engineers. This organization teaches kids about boating safety water and boating safety messages. and gives them a hands-on experience. He also conducts safety talks with school groups and other clubs and organizations. Dep. Thompson is one of the core instructors relied upon by the Marine Board to help organize and teach the OSMB two-week Officer Holiday is assigned to Grenada Lake and works with Marine Academy for new recruits each spring. His deft boat fellow officers and Corps of Engineers Park Rangers enforcing handling skills – honed on the white water of the famous boating laws and conducting safety checks. This visibility has Clackamas River – make him an important instructor at the annual caused a decline in the issuance of citations to boaters. Officer Jet Boat Operations training on the Rogue River each summer. His Holiday states that the boating laws will be enforced but excellent instructor skills are further put to use teaching PWC considers safety to be the top priority. operations to other marine officers. He recently received training in white-water kayaking so he can participate in training other In addition to recognizing Officer Holiday as the Southern officers in white-water kayaking skills. Region’s Boating Officer of the Year, NASBLA presented Officer Holiday with an Award of Commendation for his life-saving In addition to his other skills, he is trained as a swift water rescue efforts on the job. NASBLA developed the Award of technician and as a rope rescue technician, and he assists in Commendation in 2008 to recognize persons who have exhibited training with Clackamas Fire District’s training of other sheriff heroism and faced risks to their own lives in saving another officers and search and rescue organization staff and volunteers. person or people involved in a recreational boating safety incident. On April 4, 2012, Officer Holiday was involved with saving the lives of both stranded boaters and the officers who were en route to assisting those boaters on Grenada Lake.

22 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory NORTHERN STATE BOATING OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

Senior Conservation Corporal Police Officer II Officer Drew Mike Laura Pettus Aydelotte Thompson Connecticut Delaware Illinois

Officer Laura Pettus is a 13-year veteran Senior Corporal Drew Aydelotte has Conservation Police Officer (CPO) Mike of the Connecticut State Environmental worked as a Delaware Fish and Wildlife Thompson has continually been a regional Conservation Police. She has been Agent since 1999. Due to his thirst for leader in recreational boating assigned to multiple enforcement sectors training and his time spent under way, enforcement, education and accident throughout her career with the majority he has used his on-the-water boating investigations throughout his 14-year in the Northeast Sector. In 2012 she skills during all seasons as a way to check career with the Illinois Department of handled over 20 boating incidents, for compliance to all natural resource Natural Resources. In 2012, he again resulting in six arrests and seven written rules, regulations and statutes. established his role as a leader simply with warnings for a variety of violations. his positive work ethic. He conducted 158 His positive attitude coupled with a boating inspections resulting in two On April 21, 2012, at 11:30 p.m. she strong work ethic have allowed Cpl. operating under the influence arrests, responded to a fatal boating accident on Aydelotte to be the highest statistical several underage consumption arrests, Mashapaug Lake in Union, Connecticut. producing officer in the Enforcement nine citations and numerous safety A bass boat had crashed into boulders Section for several years. In 2012, he violations addressed with written and trees on the shoreline of the lake dedicated 1335 hours towards warnings. He also assisted 43 persons and resulting in the death of the passenger recreational boating safety, conducted 12 vessels while on boat patrol. In addition and minor injuries to the operator. The 651 boating safety compliance boardings to on-the-water patrols, CPO Thompson crash was particularly difficult to process and spent 308.5 hours underway on conducted 19 registration inspections, due to the remote location. Delaware’s waterways. He made 132 preventing stolen vessels from being titled arrests with 155 violations that resulted within Illinois. After a lengthy and thorough from a response to or from an investigation led by Officer Pettus, the investigation of 142 citizen complaints. A member of the Boat Accident Team operator was arrested and charged with Cpl. Aydelotte made 14 arrests for (BAT), in 2012, CPO Thompson Manslaughter Second Degree, recreational boating safety violations, investigated two major accidents Manslaughter Second Degree with a including two arrests for operating involving an extensive amount of time Vessel, Reckless Operation of a Vessel under the influence. and effort to determine cause and First Degree While Under the Influence, contributing factors. His methodical Failure to Maintain Proper Lookout While most boat operators checked by approach and open concept allows him to While Operating a Vessel, Operating a Cpl. Aydelotte were found in compliance excel in this area and he is acknowledged Vessel at Speed in Excess of Slow-No- with Delaware’s boating rules and as the “go to guy” by his fellow officers Wake within 100 feet of Shore, Failure to regulations, during his compliance when it comes to accident or boating Comply with Federal Requirements checks the officer made an additional 48 related issues. Regarding Anchor Lights, Insufficient arrests for fisheries type violations. Personal Flotation Devices and CPO Thompson volunteered to be an Exceeding Speed Limit. During his career, Cpl. Aydelotte has instructor for the newly implemented taken advantage of any training NASBLA seated field sobriety test Officer Pettus successfully conducted an opportunities afforded to him, such as training. After attending the instructor extremely difficult and thorough the month-long FLETC Maritime Law training, he assisted in developing new investigation coordinating with officers Enforcement officer course. policy and procedure for the department from multiple agencies and the Boating and personally co-trained over 130 Accident Reconstruction Unit while officers. CPO Thompson is also a certified employing exceptional skill resulting in NHTSA field sobriety test instructor and the arrest of the vessel operator. conducts refresher training yearly for his district. He is also a certified Breath Alcohol Operator which lends nicely to his enforcement and training abilities. (Continued on page 24)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 23 Conservation Conservation Officer Game Warden Officer Nate Michael Ed Bollman Johnson Pierre Indiana Iowa Maine

An Indiana Conservation Officer since Conservation Officer Nate Johnson Michael Pierre began his career as a 2003, Corporal Ed Bollman is assigned is one of two officers in Dubuque game warden in 2003, patrolling the in east-central Indiana. This area County, which lies on the banks of the Madawaska District in Aroostook includes two large reservoirs which are Mississippi River. In 2012 he covered County and the Biddeford District in located within the metropolitan area of two river counties for much of the York County. In 2011 he became the Indianapolis, several smaller lakes and summer while another officer was on first warden assigned the newly one navigable river. Selected as special assignment. He spent over 440 formed Sebago Lake District, the most Indiana’s boating officer of the year in hours on navigation related activities, active boating district in the state. both 2007 and 2013, he is a well- including 252 hours of navigation rounded officer that not only puts patrol. He also spent nearly 120 hours Warden Pierre has demonstrated forth a great deal of effort with on boat incident investigations. considerable dedication to boating education and enforcement but also enforcement, actively pursuing various assists the public when needed. Since Dubuque County is a metro area, violations. He has also been proactive the Mississippi River in the area is in preventing the spread of Eurasian Understanding the importance of very busy. Officer Johnson helped milfoil by conducting inspections at furthering his and his fellow officers’ keep the boating public safer last boat ramps and by working with knowledge through training, Cpl. summer by handling eight boating volunteer groups. In 2012 Warden Bollman has served as a standardized while intoxicated cases and assisting Pierre checked over 1200 watercraft field sobriety test instructor since with others. He also helped conduct and detected more than 100 violations 2005. In the spring of 2012, he a special boating safety project at on Sebago Lake. Warden Pierre was also attended a NASBLA seated SFST Sabula. closely involved in the implementation crossover course and immediately of the seasonal boating deputy game began instructing veteran Officer Johnson covered at least four warden program and he supervised and conservation officers across the state boating incidents, including assisting mentored deputies assigned to the lake. as well as officers from local police with one fatal boat incident on the agencies. Corporal Bollman instructed Mississippi River. The fatal boat Warden Pierre has fostered good seated field sobriety to new officers incident was very difficult to working relationships with fire and during their initial training process. In investigate, taking many long hours rescue agencies and the Cumberland addition, he provided introductory of work to put the pieces together to County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) by training in seated field sobriety testing reconstruct the accident. maintaining open communication and to local prosecutors, members of the coordinating interagency meetings. His local drug and alcohol task force, and With the assistance of Dubuque Police hard work is evident in the flawless members of the Indiana Prosecuting Department and other agencies, and smooth operations during the Attorneys Council. Corporal Bollman is Officer Johnson and Conservation Sebago Lake ice fishing derby. Warden currently helping to develop a Officer Andrew Keil were able to Pierre has also coordinated continuing education program obtain and secure witnesses and enforcement efforts between CCSO instructing SFSTs as part of the evidence before it could become and the Maine Warden Service, department’s annual in-service misplaced. They then spent resulting in increased protection of training requirement. approximately 100 hours going over Sebago Lake while eliminating equipment and vessels to determine unnecessary duplication. Throughout the year, Corporal what was fact and what was fiction. Bollman spends a great deal of time Both officers maintained a In addition, Warden Pierre has worked patrolling for boating violations on the professional demeanor and did not with various Sebago Lake associations reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. In 2012, he draw any conclusions unless those such as the Lakes Environmental led all boating enforcement actions in conclusions were substantiated Association and the Portland Water District Four. An excellent role model with facts. District to ensure the protection of for new officers, he is often found Sebago Lake so that boaters, anglers patrolling area waterways with new and the public at large can enjoy the officers where he teaches them the lake for years to come. needed skills to become a successful boating enforcement officer.

24 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Conservation Conservation Officer Officer Officer Mark Griffin Jeff Ginn Jeffery Denz Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota

Officer Mark Griffin is a veteran police Conservation Officer Jeff Ginn has Jeffery Denz is a highly motivated officer with 30 years of service. He is worked for the Michigan Department Minnesota Department of Natural the senior serving member of the M-1 of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Resources conservation officer with a Region, having spent his entire career Division for seven years. Assigned to very keen interest in boating safety. in the North Coast of Massachusetts. Newaygo County, he is responsible for An enthusiastic team player, he patrolling the Muskegon River system, volunteers to assist wherever needed. His impact was paramount during the including Croton and Hardy (two 2012 St. Peter’s Festival in Gloucester, major dam impoundments) and Lake Officer Denz was hired by the an event that draws thousands of Michigan. Minnesota DNR in February of 2007. visitors and hundreds of boaters to a Previously he had been a Three Rivers small cove in Gloucester Harbor. His A world-class fishery for walleye, Park District police officer and vigilance to providing a safe salmon, and steelhead, the Muskegon sergeant in the western suburbs of environment ensured the three-day River system draws boaters from all Minneapolis. After completing his DNR event ended without a single major over the country. With accessible training, he was assigned to the boat accident or injury. This was in no fishing year-round many anglers Willmar station and has remained small part to his quick response to pursue their quarry during some there to the present. His station has potential safety issues. His strong of the most treacherous water level numerous lakes that are heavily used presence at public boat ramps in conditions and temperatures. CO for fishing, boating, sailing, canoeing Newburyport, Ipswich, Rowley and Ginn routinely works the Muskegon and other forms of water recreation. Gloucester during peak boating times River in a jet boat targeting violations maximized the ability to interact and of reckless operation, litter, disorderly Officer Denz has a very strong work provide enforcement aiding in conduct, public urination, ethic and routinely exceeds the hourly voluntary compliance with boating consumption of alcohol by minors, goals for boating safety enforcement laws and safe operation. boating under the influence, charter by working numerous weekend and boat requirements, marine safety night hours throughout the year. He Due to his ability to coordinate public equipment and trespass. also assists with organizing boating safety and enforcement efforts with safety work details on Green Lake and other law enforcement agencies Officer CO Ginn responded to a capsized vessel other high-use lakes during the peak Griffin is requested personally by local in the Muskegon River during 50-year boating times. police departments and the Coast high water level conditions that caused Guard when a difficult water-borne a Newaygo County state of emergency Officer Denz has done an outstanding operation is being planned. His well- in April 2012. He launched his patrol job in boating safety enforcement. earned reputation as a very capable vessel and navigated safely to the first During the past three boating seasons, and reliable officer makes him an angler clinging to his capsized vessel. he processed over 260 total violations invaluable asset to the MEP and he is CO Ginn loaded the victim into his (64 tickets and 196 written warnings). quick to volunteer for challenging and patrol vessel and provided basic first These include careless operation, diverse assignments. His knowledge aid. He then continued upstream to insufficient life jackets, navigation and application of the boating laws are recover the second angler clinging to a lights, expired registration, boating commendable and he is regularly log jam. CO Ginn again navigated while intoxicated arrests (10 during sought out for advice and as a reliable safely to the victim and loaded the the last five years) and violations of referral by others. His on-the-spot boater in his vessel to provide basic the personal watercraft laws. correction to infractions and the first aid. He then transported the two discretion shown to violators injured anglers to a nearby residence In the past year, Officer Denz assisted demonstrates a man of solid reputation where emergency medical service the DNR’s Management Resources and fairness. personnel were waiting. CO Ginn was Safety Section with training for recognized for his heroic efforts that potential watercraft safety instructors. day with a life-saving award. This training was conducted outside of his regular station and required preparation and planning prior to both the classroom and hands-on sessions.

(Continued on page 26)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 25 Lieutenant District Game James Warden Officer McCarthy Ryan Tunge Jeff Keller New York North Dakota Ohio

Lieutenant James McCarthy’s Dedication, hard work, and Officer Jeff Keller is an asset to the relentless efforts have contributed perseverance define Warden Ryan Ohio Department of Natural significantly to New York's overall Tunge. Since becoming a game warden Resources, Division of Watercraft. He boating safety on Oneida Lake and the in 2006, his work ethic and has an excellent relationship with the waters in and around Oneida County professional drive have created a safer boating community, showing since 1980. boating environment on waters in admirable officer discretion. With over southwestern North Dakota. Making a 2200 contacts in 2012, Officer Keller It was through the efforts of Lt. concerted effort to enhance safe McCarthy that the sheriff’s patrol boating on Lake Sakakawea and the conducted 398 written inspections and became the force for boating safety Missouri River from the Garrison 292 visual/spot checks, gave out 259 that it is today. The Oneida County Tailrace to Bismarck, Warden Tunge warnings and arrested 30 people, 10 of Sheriff’s Marine Patrol is responsible dedicates long hours patrolling these which were alcohol/drug related. He for water safety and enforcement waters. also attended 69 patrol events, gave 20 efforts on six lakes (Oneida, Delta, presentations, and helped to teach six Hinckley, White, Kayuta and Otter) The main body of water Warden Tunge Ohio Boating Education courses, and portions of the Erie Barge Canal patrols is Lake Sakakawea, the largest reaching 274 people. within the County of Oneida. impoundment of water in North Dakota and one of the state’s busiest Officer Keller always has a smile on his Recognizing that the key to reducing boating areas. Warden Tunge has face and is very approachable. An boating fatalities is a two-pronged accomplished several rescue missions excellent listener, he ensures every approach involving a strong on the Missouri River and Lake person who calls is fully helped before enforcement presence combined with a Sakakawea using his knowledge of the hanging up, always asking again if they rigorous effort to educate the boating lake, river, and contacts with other have any additional questions. Officer public, Lt. McCarthy has dedicated a local law enforcement to organize and Keller readily lends a hand to anyone significant number of hours toward accomplish the mission. in need. He is the first to say “good boating safety education. Since 2008, job” and keeps a positive attitude he has helped 644 boaters, ages 10 and In addition to his responsibilities on motivating the rest of the crew on his up, earn their safety certificates in Lake Sakakawea, Warden Tunge shift. New York State. operates the North Dakota Game and Fish side scan sonar and has worked Officer Keller has not only completed Lt. McCarthy has also played a key role numerous human recoveries in all court tasks for the last two years, but in helping to train his fellow marine conditions at all hours of the day and he also took the initiative to contact law enforcement officers. He has been at a moment’s notice. the 13 different courts in his area of assisting State Parks since 2009 as a responsibility to review and set easy- lead instructor in the Basic Marine Warden Tunge has taken numerous to-remember bond/fine amounts for Law Enforcement course and Marine tours of duty working with the various citations. Patrol Vessel Operator Course. Missouri River Task Force enforcing safe boating on one of the most During a time when the division Lt. McCarthy is truly dedicated to congested boating areas in North tightened its purse strings, Officer preventing loss of life with diligent Dakota. He has completed many Keller led the task of installing new enforcement and a determined inspections on guided fishing boats electronics on three patrol vessels, education effort. His inspired ensuring the public’s safety. When including two from other offices. This leadership and unwavering devotion called upon to do extra patrols or help required fabricating new dash panels have contributed immensely to the a boater in need, Warden Tunge and re-routing and re-wiring. By doing safe boating cause in New York. His enthusiastically meets the challenge. this he saved the division $6,000. actions reflect tremendous credit upon His professionalism, knowledge, and himself, the Oneida County Sheriff’s dedication to boat and water safety are Office, and the entire marine law great assets to the boaters of North enforcement community. Dakota.

26 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Waterways Conservation Officer Conservation Officer Charlie Officer Jim Smolko Jackman Joe Keeton Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota

Waterways Conservation Officer A highly valued individual, Officer Prior to becoming a South Dakota (WCO) Jim Smolko has been employed Charlie Jackman brings multiple assets Game, Fish and Parks Conservation by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat to the table for the Rhode Island Officer, Joe Keeton served with the Commission for nine years. He is a role Division of Law Enforcement. He is a United States Coast Guard for four model to fellow officers, exemplifying highly skilled boat handler, operating years. After his service, he obtained a professional service to boaters in the degree in wildlife management and everything from the smallest vessels to commonwealth and keeping the became a conservation officer in May the agency’s 46’ 1000-horsepower waterways safe. of 2005. His background with the lobster boat. He is an integral part of Coast Guard has provided him with Officer Smolko is assigned to the the training program on the 46’ boat, exceptional skills in the areas of Eastern Erie County District, which as there are a number of skills boating enforcement and the education includes Lake Erie and Presque Bay. necessary that do not carry over from of the state’s boating public. Boating law enforcement is the strength handling smaller boats. of Officer Smolko’s efforts. He possesses In 2012, Officer Keeton was selected to an outstanding knowledge of the Fish & Officer Jackman is also a certified serve as one of five Boating Boat Code and demonstrates a high trainer for the BOAT program, Enforcement Instructors for the state. degree of expertise in his investigative conducting trainings for all of the In his short time as an instructor, he work and observation skills. He engages has completed numerous hours of division’s officers to move the agency in a fair, effective and productive law training for officers in his region and closer to attaining NASBLA enforcement program. across the state, most recently Accreditation. Officer Jackman focusing efforts on transition training WCO Smolko completed an coordinates the division’s BOAT for the agency’s officers in the new outstanding year in 2012 in terms of training and documents the various seated battery of field sobriety testing. overall law enforcement production. training exercises and hours of boat During the year, he logged 39 patrol operation. He runs frequent boat South Dakota does not have mandatory days on Lake Erie, conducting 812 patrols throughout the year – and in the boating education; nevertheless, boardings and issuing 105 citations and New England winters, this is painful. Officer Keeton has always excelled 739 warnings. He also apprehended and educating the public in the safe and prosecuted two boating under the Wearing his other hat as a Coast Guard legal operation of recreational influence cases and investigated 26 Reservist, Officer Jackman briefs watercraft. In 2012, he developed, in incidents, including four recreational newly transferred Coast Guardsman on conjunction with Boat Ed, one of the boating accidents and seven the intricacies of the cooperation state’s first classroom-based boating environmental disturbances. between the state agency and the education courses. This course, which Coast Guard. This has led to much debuted in 2013, has already grown in Officer Smolko conducts a very well- smoother transitions. popularity and will serve to better rounded boating law enforcement educate our boating public in the years program for Erie County and is active to come. in public relations within his district. Last year he attended 11 club meetings Officer Keeton also spends countless where he presented information on hours patrolling on the water. Over safe boating. He also conducted a Basic the years, he has logged numerous Boating class. Numerous marine events BUI arrests and has investigated a are held annually on Lake Erie during number of serious boating accidents. which Officer Smolko provides He also served as a lead officer for valuable assistance and security. His special BUI operations. His dedication high visibility and law enforcement to the boating arena is unmatched in presence on Lake Erie has led to a the state. much safer haven for boaters on one of northwestern Pennsylvania’s busiest waterways. (Continued on page 28)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 27 SOUTHERN STATE BOATING OFFICERS Sheriff Ray C. Allen Vermont Officer Steven Wildlife Officer Macleroy Steve Paul Ray C. Allen is the sheriff of Grand Isle Alabama Arkansas County. Located in the northwest corner of Vermont, the county is home to five state parks and provides over 100 square miles of boating and fishing An officer with the Alabama Marine Ever since Wildlife Officer Steve Paul on Lake Champlain. The county’s Police since January 2009, Officer began his career with the Arkansas population increases by almost five Steven Macleroy is a well-rounded agency in January 2011, the boating times in the summer months, as many officer who places equal importance on enforcement work in his assigned county flock to their seasonal camps along the enforcement, education, and (Hot Spring) has been taken to a level lake shores. community. He has been instrumental never expected. in building and maintaining positive In 2012 Sheriff Allen approached the relationships with local enforcement Officer Paul proved himself to be very Vermont State Police to become a agencies and personnel. self-motivated and eager to address the partner for recreational boating safety. many boating-related problems in his He arranged training and obtained In addition to being recognized as the county. Working a total of 441 hours in equipment for his deputies to provide Alabama Marine Police Officer of the boating law enforcement last year, he boat patrol and boating safety Year, Officer Macleroy received a Life made 1,141 contacts, wrote 100 citations inspections. Sheriff Allen works with Saving Commendation from the Alabama and assisted in 83 other boating-related local enforcement agencies to provide Department of Conservation and Natural violations, including eight boating under enforcement and search and rescue Resources for his part in responding to a the influence citations. Never before had assistance. call about an attempted suicide. so many BUI arrests been made in his county. Even more impressive is that In one situation, when an overdue Although he was off duty on August Officer Paul maintains a 100% conviction boater was reported missing by his 29, 2012, Officer Macleroy was still rate on all his boating cases. wife after dark, the Sheriff quickly monitoring radio traffic because he is learned that the lost husband who was also a volunteer fireman in his Officer Paul is very attentive to the not familiar with Lake Champlain was community. When he overheard radio possession and use of illegal narcotics and on a small sailboat with no lights or traffic about a woman attempting to the prevalence of these activities communication. Sheriff Allen’s commit suicide by jumping off a bridge encountered every day in this line of knowledge of the area brought the very near his home, he immediately work. He actively pursued training and, search to a quick and successful responded to the scene in his patrol boat. after 84 hours of classroom training and conclusion. 12 in-field evaluations, he graduated and He found the woman in the water is now a nationally certified Drug Sheriff Allen runs a summer camp below the bridge, but she rebuffed his Recognition Expert (DRE). Officer Paul that his late wife, Sheriff Connie Allen, attempts to help and instead tried to made 10 arrests for possession of a started. Known as the R & R Camp drown herself by placing her head controlled substance while working for Respect and Responsibility, the under the water. Officer Macleroy boating enforcement. facility provides a unique opportunity recognized the woman was emotionally for youth entering sixth through disturbed, so he physical restrained her After receiving numerous complaints eighth grades to participate in a and kept her from further harm. Unable about problems on the Ouachita River, program that emphasizes respect to get her into his patrol boat, he held including loud music, drinking, drugs, and personal responsibility through onto her until additional assistance glass containers, fights, etc., Officer Paul various team-building activities. One arrived. With the help of a local deputy devised two special operations to target of the camps’ highlights is when he maneuvered the vessel and the those issues. He reached out to the Hot Sheriff Allen invites marine law woman to shore to receive medical care Spring County Sheriff’s Department and enforcement agencies and fire units and transport to the local hospital. the Arkansas State Police for their assistance, with their boats to teach the campers Without Officer Macleroy’s quick showing his ability to interact with other about water safety. response and actions while off duty, agencies. The operations resulted in 51 this woman may very well have died. Arkansas Game and Fish Citations, 12 criminal citations and 6 arrests.

28 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory OF THE YEAR

Corporal Game Warden Officer Shawn Michael Dana Klein Elmore Peterson Florida Georgia Kansas

With nearly 10 years of service with Corporal Shawn Elmore with the Game Warden Michael Peterson made the Florida Fish and Wildlife Georgia Department of Natural very meaningful efforts directed Conservation Commission, Officer Dana Resources Law Enforcement was the toward boating safety enforcement Klein is responsible for boating safety lead CIRT investigator in a tragic, high- during the summer of 2012, particularly and resource patrol along an 80-mile profile boating incident on Lake Lanier. in his region’s effort toward boating stretch of the St. Johns River and its Working 233 hours directly involved in under the influence (BUI) interdiction. tributaries from Jacksonville to the the reconstruction and documentation He primarily worked evening and night south end of Lake George. This patrol of this incident his expertise, training hours at Lovewell Reservoir, a lake that area requires an extensive knowledge of and experience in the field of boating is known for its fishing and recreational boating accident investigation safety related issues were instrumental boating opportunities. techniques and both federal and state in developing the reports in the case. boating, hunting and fishing laws. His team-minded efforts spoke well of Officer Peterson maintained a standard his attitude and outlook during this that all vessel operators believed to either As one of Florida’s nationally trained time of critical importance. possess or have been consuming alcohol boating under the influence (BUI) would receive a standardized field enforcement instructors, Officer Klein Cpl. Elmore also worked 547 hours sobriety test. If a boater failed the test, he has been instrumental in helping FWC carrying out his normal duties working or she received a preliminary breath test. provide transition training on the boating safety in 2012. He presented 13 If the boater failed the preliminary breath seated Standardized Field Sobriety boating safety programs and conducted test, he or she was taken to an intoxilyzer Tests (SFSTs) to all FWC officers and 127 boating safety inspections. He was for the chemical test. Refusing the marine law enforcement partners. involved in four HIN inspection details intoxilyzer or testing over .08 BAC in his section. Cpl. Elmore is also very resulted in a criminal charge for boating Officer Klein has enthusiastically put involved in teaching other rangers the under the influence. Officer Peterson the new tests to use in her patrol proper protocol for working boating operated with the attitude that anything efforts and speaks convincingly to her related issues and teaches courses in the less than this standard was unacceptable. trainees as she describes how valuable agency’s ranger school. and useful these tools are in dealing Officer Peterson also successfully with impaired boat operators. She has He planned and scheduled a PFD detail coordinated selective enforcements at made numerous BUI cases using the on the Etowah River, where a Lovewell Reservoir directed at BUI seated SFSTs, two of which carried concentrated effort was made to interdiction. These selective enhanced penalties due to the vessel enforce and educate the public on the enforcements resulted in five BUI arrests operators having a blood alcohol level requirements of state law. He made in 2012, including Officer Peterson’s first over 0.15 while having minors onboard. several boating related contacts this BUI arrest. He also assisted with year but outside of the normal cases Operation Dry Water and a second BUI Education and outreach are an was the arrest of an individual for BUI selective at Wilson Reservoir. important part of Officer Klein’s that had previously been involved in everyday job. Whether on a boat, at a another boating fatality case in 2009. Other boating related accomplishments dock or stopping to get fuel, she He was also involved in the of Peterson in 2012 include eight BUI consistently makes contact with confiscation and charge of illegal drugs arrests, assisting with a drowning citizens and visitors of the state. in another boating related case. recovery at Glen Elder, and working a boat Commercial fishermen in her area accident at Lovewell Reservoir. Officer thought of her as the “enemy” a few Peterson was one of a first group of years ago, but her personal efforts to officers to undergo training in the newly build a strong rapport with them has seated battery testing procedure and used led to reduced commercial vessel safety it extensively while assisting other and resource violations in her area. officers in applying the new standards.

(Continued on page 30)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 29 Senior Agent Corporal Officer Jarrod Alley Nicholas Robert G. Guillory May II Kentucky Louisiana Missouri

Officer Jarrod Alley has proven to be a Senior Agent Nicholas Guillory is a five- Corporal Robert G. May II is an vital resource to the Kentucky year veteran with the Louisiana outstanding officer, displaying a model Department of Fish & Wildlife Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and work ethic. He has demonstrated his Resources. His emphasis on boating has been working on the coast his entire commitment to promoting safety on the safety and education has had a direct career. His experience as a coastal agent waterways and highways of Missouri and influence on waters within his area of along with his superior seamanship take reducing the number of fatalities and responsibility. center stage in search and rescue injuries by his obvious hard work and missions. Sr. Agent Guillory has dedicated efforts. In 2012, Officer Alley worked 649 consistently demonstrated his boating hours. He conducted 607 boat willingness to go beyond the call of duty During 2012, he wrote 899 citations and inspections, wrote 141 citations and 128 by successfully carrying out numerous 658 warnings, including 94 criminal courtesy notices. He also responded to offshore federal fishery patrols and arrests, mainly the result of drug or 21 search and rescue cases, participated apprehending major violators, both alcohol related arrests on Missouri’s in seven water safety programs at recreational and commercial. waterways. Aside from his diligence in schools and two boater education productivity, Corporal May investigated classes as well as seven civic functions, Sr. Agent Guillory always leads by nine traffic crashes and recorded 139 and made 18 BUI arrests and four example. He gives excellent verbal reactive/self-initiated calls for service Alcohol Intoxication arrests. direction, but he’s willing to teach by during the year. working side-by-side with fellow agents Officer Alley met with several bass in the field, and his good attitude Dedicated to the training of others in clubs holding tournaments on Lake motivates coworkers to do good work marine enforcement, boat operation, Cumberland to speak with them and be good public servants. Sr. Agent swift water rescue, and swimming safety, regarding their cutting of points, Guillory's professional officer presence during 2012, Corporal May served as a running of headlights and lack of and good communication skills typifies field training officer, a tactical water navigation lights. He worked with his daily interactions with the public, survival trainer, and an instructor in them by first issuing courtesy notices whom he always addresses in a respectful Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and then citations as some did not and fair demeanor. His patience and (EVOC) boat stop and approach, and the want to heed the warnings. He also tactfulness, even when dealing with the seated battery Standardized Field listened to their complaints and gave most irrational violator, is most often Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). He assisted in them a number to call when they handled without conflict or physical training approximately 25 students in the encountered drunken boat operators or intervention. Swift Water Rescue course; assisted in had problems with houseboats blocking training approximately 90 students in the entrance to coves. At the request of Sr. Agent Guillory has been the lead Basic Boat Operations; and taught several club members, he also wrote to a couple agent in boating under the influence other courses for the four-week Marine of members for fishing inside a harbor, cases and has conducted several boating Operations training course. which violated state regulations as well accident investigations. His knowledge of as their tournament rules. Because of the laws, areas and his dedication to In 2012, Corporal May was instrumental this, he now has a much better preserving the wildlife of this state make in the development and presentation of relationship with the tournament him an excellent example for younger the annual Bull Float enforcement plan. crowd and has been given a lot of tips agents to mirror. He always goes above He briefed the troop command staff on from them. and beyond to complete tasks given to multiple occasions and conducted the him, making sure they are completed operational brief to multiple agencies on timely and to perfection. Sr. Agent the day of the event. This event, which Guillory understands a positive public included approximately 4000-5000 perception of our department is very people, went off without any major crucial especially now when funding problems or concerns, which can be remains in the forefront. attributed, in part, to the planning and forethought by Corporal May.

30 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Senior Officer Lance Corporal Officer Parks Moss Brian Nick Luper North Carolina Crawford Tennessee South Carolina

Stationed in Beaufort County for the Lance Corporal Brian Crawford is an Officer Nick Luper’s assigned work area last three of his five years with the officer who loves being in a boat on the encompasses 12 counties in northern North Carolina Wildlife Resource water. His passion has resulted in him middle Tennessee and contains three Commission, Senior Officer Parks being a key member of his unit’s effort major reservoirs and two river systems. Moss’s patrol area consists of two large to maintain safety and educate the These waterways are popular destinations river basins, the Pamlico Sound and public while enforcing the state’s for fishing and boating activities. more than a dozen navigable creeks. boating laws on some of the most congested waterways in coastal South Officer Luper’s law enforcement efforts On November 24, 2012, one of the Carolina. His patrol area has 31,567 in 2012 were outstanding. He inspected coldest mornings of the year, Officer resident registered watercraft, not 575 vessels for compliance with Tennessee Moss and fellow enforcement officer including non-resident tourist boating laws, resulting in 43 citations and Brian White were patrolling duck watercraft that utilize the Santee 69 warnings. He also arrested 19 hunting and fishing activity in Cooper lakes and coastal waterways. operators for boating under the influence Northern Beaufort County near the of alcohol or drugs, and while on patrol Pungo River. While heading north on A leader in his unit in public contacts he assisted 30 stranded boaters. In the river, they observed a boat on the water, during 2012 LCPL addition, he issued citations for other approximately a half a mile ahead doing Crawford issued 59 summons, eight of violations including 40 for hunting tight circles. which were for BUI, and 293 warnings violations. for boating violations. He is sought out As they approached the circling boat, by both local contacts and his fellow Officer Luper did a great job in public Officer Moss noticed what appeared to officers and senior staff regarding outreach last year. He assisted marina be someone’s head in the water. Officer boating enforcement issues. He is a owners in his district by instructing Moss immediately engaged his patrol valued officer who is requested at employees in boater education and boat to full throttle and quickly marine events throughout the region. partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of approached a subject in the water who In addition, he volunteers to work Engineers, Wild Turkey Federation, and was merely feet from the out-of-control patrols at large boating events. His local sportsmen’s groups to promote boat. Officer Moss positioned his patrol expertise in boating and BUI boating safety. He participated in back-to boat between the subject and the enforcement, training and school programs and career days at unmanned boat, and then he and certifications and his desire to schools throughout his district to Officer White grabbed the boater, who aggressively enforce safety laws are promote boating safety. was not wearing a life jacket. tremendous assets for these events. Officer Luper was also responsible for The elderly man was weighted down by LCPL Crawford understands that in scheduling, setting up and monitoring the his waterlogged winter coat and addition to enforcement, the boating BUI simulator at fairs and other public overalls, as well as exhausted and safety mission is about educating the functions to provide awareness of the unable to help, making it impossible for public to gain compliance with the laws dangers of alcohol and boating. He the two officers to lift him out of the and to create a safe boating initiated a media event on Center Hill water. They held onto the man until environment on the water. He devotes Reservoir in preparation for Operation two nearby duck hunters arrived and time to local schools and is quick to get Dry Water along with the Dekalb County helped lift the man into the patrol boat. the children interested in conservation, Sheriff's Department to enhance boater The elderly man later made a full boating and hunting safety and the awareness. He successfully reached the recovery. Without the quick response career of a game warden. Many of these public through other forms of media by and actions of Officer Moss and White, children have never had this type of submitting eight newspaper articles, they more than likely would have been positive exposure to law enforcement several radio interviews and public investigating a fatal boat accident and a or safety instruction. service announcements, as well as recovery mission. television interviews. Officer Luper, through his outreach efforts, has had personal contact with over 3,000 sportsmen and recreational boaters.

(Continued on page 32)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 31 Natural Conservation Resource Game Warden Police Officer Police Officer Kevin Glass Dallas Neel Jonathan R. Texas Virginia Casto West Virginia

Kevin Glass has been a Texas Game Conservation Police Officer Dallas Neel With more than 80 miles of rivers to Warden for over 20 years. An example of consistently displays an outstanding patrol, Natural Resource Police Officer dedication and true professionalism, he ability to handle complex situations thus Jonathan R. Casto logged over 100 hours is a leader year after year in his district maintaining smooth operations in his on the Little Kanawha and Ohio rivers in terms of cases filed, boat hours (over district. He emphasizes boating safety and in 2012. In addition to writing many 2000 in the last four years), and responsible boat operation techniques to warning tickets and citations to training hours instructed. everyone he meets. He fosters a positive recreational boaters, he investigated relationship with other law enforcement four BUIs, two of which he conducted Warden Glass is very active in training agencies, officers and constituents. Time himself and two that he used as a fellow game wardens. He is currently and again, his innovative methods and training opportunity for new officers. one of 15 trained instructors in the communication skills prove to be He uses his extensive knowledge of the standardized seated field sobriety tests invaluable assets. waterways not only to help train new and the primary instructor for the officers but more importantly to help DWI/BWI/SFST refresher for his Neel joined the Virginia Department of keep the public safe. district. Game and Inland Fisheries in 1997. Working in Bedford County he is Officer Casto was essential to a near- Warden Glass has filed 21 boating while responsible for enforcement duties on the fatal boating accident investigation intoxicated cases since 2009. Personally heavily used Roanoke River, James River when he served as lead investigator. and professionally invested in the and Smith Mountain Lake. During early boating season last May, a success of his partners in the reckless personal watercraft operator enforcement of BWI laws and statutes, Officer Neel is well known for his firm but struck a boat. After a thorough he spends many hours and late nights on fair law enforcement practices. In 2012, he investigation of the incident, Officer the water assisting and teaching his spent over 800 hours on boating Casto determined that both parties were partners. As a result Warden Glass is enforcement related activities. He has at fault. The driver of the boat was involved in nearly all BWI arrests in his averaged 265 arrests over the last three intentionally creating a wake for the district. He consistently assists, guides years with about 73 of those being boating personal watercraft to jump. and mentors other game wardens in related. Of those, a significant number different facets of the BWI process. were boating under the influence and Not only does he perform his duties at reckless boating cases. an exceptional level, but he also shows In 2011 Texas Parks and Wildlife began great dedication to the community. implementing the standardized battery Officer Neel utilizes unique enforcement Officer Casto was contacted on his day of seated SFSTs. Warden Glass was tactics – such as employing unmarked off to assist in a search and rescue of a selected by his supervisor and requested boats, working high traffic areas during 16-year-old male. Without hesitation, by the Texas Game Warden training staff times of increased activity, and conducting Officer Casto accepted the request, to assist in the full implementation of covert surveillance – to gain compliance arrived on the scene and immediately the tests and the development of policy with Virginia’s boat laws and regulations. took control of the situation. He regarding the tests. In June 2011 Warden Utilizing an unmarked, 1973 model jon organized search efforts and advised the Glass took the initiative and arranged a boat, Officer Neel has maneuvered, mostly local dive team and fire departments. meeting with the Harris County (Texas) unnoticed, into rarely patrolled waterways Because of his extensive knowledge of District Attorney to discuss the new to enforce boating laws. These patrols have the river, he was able to put the dive seated battery, demonstrate the tests proven very effective as violations relating team in the correct location to recover and to invite assistant district attorneys to safety equipment, alcohol use, and drug the victim and quickly give closure to to ride along and witness the tests being abuse have been detected in these newly the family. administered in the field. patrolled areas. Boaters and other outdoor recreation users in these areas enjoy a safer experience today due to Officer Neel’s efforts.

32 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory WESTERN STATE BOATING OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

Trooper Deputy Trent Alberto “AJ” Officer Chwialkowski Calderon Eric Los Alaska Arizona Colorado

Eric Los joined Colorado State Parks in Trooper Trent Chwialkowski has Deputy Alberto Calderon has been September of 2007 and was assigned to shown extreme dedication in his job by assigned to the Lake Patrol Division of Highline Lake State Park. He took an not only enforcing boating rules and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office immediate interest in boat patrol and regulations but also by educating the for a little over two years, and his enforcement as well as training, and in community on boater safety. Stationed efforts toward boating safety are 2010 he began serving as an instructor, outside of Homer, Alaska, which is a making a difference. His drive to assisting with training full-time and boating destination for Alaskans across educate the boating community along seasonal rangers. Officer Los has also the state, he works in one of the with setting goals for himself and his taken over the boating program at busiest recreational and commercial squad has garnered much respect Highline Lake where he trains seasonal fishing ports in Alaska. among the community and his peers. During a recent boat stop, the boater employees on safe operation as well as boating enforcement. Trp. Chwialkowski, in addition to his informed Deputy Calderon and Sgt. A. other fish and wildlife enforcement Romer (who nominated Calderon as Since taking charge of the boating duties, is fully committed the safety of boating officer of the year) that his program, Officer Los has continued to the boating public. He demonstrated eight-year-old daughter would much obtain as much training as possible on this commitment by conducting 235 rather go boating at Canyon Lake boating safety and enforcement. He boating safety inspections in 2012. because she feels safe seeing the attended BUI training in 2012, taking a During these inspections he ensured all deputies patrolling the lake. Statistics strong interest in the seated battery safety gear was on board and provided are nice. However, words such as those for BUI. In 2012 Officer Los had the additional education to the boating validate Deputy Calderon's daily first BUI conviction in Colorado using public. Undoubtedly, Trp. performance. the seated battery in which he received Chwialkowski’s efforts helped prevent kudos from Chris Halsor, Traffic Safety injuries and possibly even deaths In the spring of 2012, he attended the Resource Prosecutor, Colorado District among the boating public of Alaska. Arizona Game and Fish Boating Enforcement School, which included Attorney’s Office for his exceptional NASBLA’s Seated Battery Transition report on the case. In 2013 he attended training for boating under the a BUI train-the-trainer so he could take influence enforcement. Deputy the lead on BUI enforcement training Calderon took this valuable training in the region. and applied it to his daily patrol on Canyon Lake. He also took time to In addition to the increase in BUI educate and inspire other deputies enforcement Officer Los has issued working around him, and Canyon Lake over 100 boating safety violations with increased their BUl arrests by over the largest percentage of these 778% for a total of 78 BUI arrests, 51 of citations going to operators for which were Deputy Calderon's. allowing children under the age of 13 on their vessel without wearing a life On the outreach side of things, Deputy jacket and for allowing underage Calderon has created a program for operators. With the heavy boating use boaters with inadequate number of life on Highline Lake these public safety jackets to be issued "loaner" jackets violations as well as numerous boating that he carries on his boat. The jacket equipment violations he has written is issued to the occupant (along with a has kept Highline Lake much safer for citation to the operator) in order to all visitors. allow the boaters to enjoy a safe day on the lake.

(Continued on page 34)

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 33 Conservation Enforcement Sergeant Game Warden Officer II Jason Speer Chuck Bartos Pat Chong Tim Idaho Montana Hawaii

After serving eight years with the Jason Speer began his law enforcement Game Warden Chuck Bartos went Honolulu Police Department, followed career with the Valley County Sheriff’s beyond his duty as a game warden with by starting a successful construction Office in 2000 and was promoted to the the work he did on Echo Lake the company and a security business, rank of sergeant in 2006. At the time of summer of 2012. Echo Lake is a heavily Officer Pat Chong Tim became a his promotion he was assigned to used 695-acre lake that is very popular Conservation Enforcement Officer II manage the marine law enforcement for recreational boaters and anglers. (DOCARE) with the Hawaii program as well as the entire The lake’s shoreline is almost all Department of Land & Natural recreational enforcement program for privately owned, and it is made up of a Resources (DLNR) in 2011. the county. In addition, he oversees all lot of narrow bays and islands. For the county search and rescue activities. years, Warden Bartos has been dealing From the beginning Officer Chong Tim Prior to his county law enforcement with this hot bed of water safety proved to be a tremendous asset to the career Sgt. Speer served in the U.S. Air complaints and conflicts between agency. He immediately gravitated Force for seven years, many of which recreational boaters, anglers and toward the water-related activities that were spent as a military police officer. landowners. fall under the division’s jurisdiction. Officer Chong Tim became a certified Valley County is home to many power Echo Lake is a closed basin lake with no personal watercraft (PWC) operator and boaters as well paddlecraft users. The outlet. During periods of high snow logged an impressive amount of water Payette River is one of the most pack and precipitation, its water level patrol time over the last three years. heavily used rivers in the state and rises and stays high all summer long. contains rapids ranging from Class I to This exaggerates the conflicts on the The consummate professional, Officer Class IV. Each year Sgt. Speer leads his lake. Landowners are more emotional Chong Tim utilized his network and team to deal with multiple search and because the wakes from boats are now prior connections with the police rescue events and boating fatalities washing away yards, shorelines, up department to establish exceptional involving paddlecraft. against foundations and into houses. interagency cooperation. At no cost to DLNR, he secured communication One of the busiest lakes in Idaho, In the summer of 2011, Echo Lake equipment as well as the appropriate Payette Lake is home to many boat reached the highest water level ever permissions to allow state officers to accidents. In August 2009 Sgt. Speer led recorded. In 2012, Echo Lake water establish seamless communications search and rescue activities after a levels rose again to extremely high with the county police, county fire serious boat accident involving 12 levels. The complaints started coming department, county lifeguards, EMS individuals (including four children) in and Warden Bartos’s already well- and U.S. Coast Guard. This is an which occurred just after midnight. known dedication to his job came out. unprecedented accomplishment that None of the passengers was wearing a had been stuck in the discussion stage life jacket. Several passengers made it Although Warden Bartos has a large for many years. to shore and called 911; others made it and busy district, he spent 32 of the 71 to an island. When Sgt. Speer arrived, days he worked (45% of his time), from In 2012, Officer Chong Tim served as a five individuals were still missing. Sgt. June to August, on Echo Lake. During coordinator and patrolled in some of Speer immediately coordinated search that time, he checked nearly 550 boats. the highest profile marine events in efforts and located one adult and two He was out in the hot sun day after agency history, including providing children that were clinging to part of day, dealing with angry people on both direct PWC waterborne security for the the hull. All of the children ended up sides. Despite that, Warden Bartos former CIA Director General David safe but unfortunately two adults dedicated his summer to protecting Petraeus; training alongside and perished. that resource and enforcing Montana’s providing PWC waterborne escort for water safety regulations. U.S. Navy Seals teams; and patrolling on a PWC as a support platform for U.S. Secret Service Rescue Swimmers in providing up close and direct security for the President of the United States, the First Family and their entourage.

34 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Game Warden Lieutenant Sergeant Brady Phillips Eric Stucki Philip Nevada Utah Johnson Washington

Game Warden Brady Phillips has shown Lieutenant Eric Stucki has served Utah Sergeant Philip Johnson has been the tremendous initiative and concern for State Parks and Recreation since 1995 driving force in establishing the the public in everything he does. For and continually maintains a high level of Washington Department of Fish and nearly five years, he has been the only water patrols, including vessel Wildlife’s Recreational Boating Safety game warden stationed in Laughlin, inspections, warnings and citations, and program as the premiere curriculum Nevada, one of the busiest and most boating under the influence in the state. dangerous boating areas in the western enforcement. Lt. Stucki was honorably states. recognized for having the fifth highest WDFW began looking for a master boating number of vessel safety inspections instructor shortly after deciding to pursue His supervisor is over 100 miles away, performed statewide. This is particularly recognition as an official state boating but Warden Phillips needs little to no impressive as he serves in an program. At that time, Sgt. Johnson was a supervision to keep an active patrol administrative position. Fish and Wildlife Officer whose duties schedule, maintain the office, boats and included serving as one of WDFW equipment, and run the most Lt. Stucki is responsible for law Enforcement’s boating instructors. Officer demanding one-officer duty station in enforcement activities on the many Johnson’s eight boating-instructor peers Nevada. water bodies in the northern region of unanimously elected him to take the helm Utah. Approximately 89 percent of as the master boating instructor. Not only does Warden Phillips take care Utah’s 2.8 million residents live in the of his own work, but he also plays host northern region, which also has the Officer Johnson quickly stepped up to the to other officers, supervisors and greatest concentration of Utah’s lakes challenge of becoming a master boat dignitaries that visit his area in the and reservoirs. instructor and set the toughest goal busy summer months. As the only possible: Making his agency's boating officer permanently stationed in Lt. Stucki ensures adequate boating safety program the best in the state. To do Laughlin, Warden Phillips handles a coverage throughout the northern this, he continued his own boating multitude of visitors, regional conflicts region during special operations, education by attending the Federal Law and other issues that other game including Operation Dry Water and a Enforcement Training Center’s Marine wardens don’t have to deal with. concentrated enforcement project on the Law Enforcement Training Program and Weber River to increase life jacket becoming a certified Basic Marine Law Despite his busy schedule and remote compliance. He also implemented Enforcement course instructor. He also location, Warden Phillips has found the undercover on-water patrols to reduce received his United States Coast Guard time to become certified to instruct user group complaints. 100-ton Master license. taser and firearms courses for the department. He is also a Division As division legislative liaison, Lt. Stucki He then established a training curriculum Firearms armorer. Not only is he a tracks and fosters support for boating- that resulted in all 140 WDFW Fish and stellar boat patrol officer, but he is also related legislation. “He works to Wildlife Officers becoming certified as a leader for his division. He wrote more strengthen our mission goals with our Washington State Recreational Boating than 140 boat citations and made two legislative representatives, and as such, Law Enforcement Officers. WDFW arrests last year for operating under is one of the Utah Boating Program’s recognized Officer Johnson’s the influence, handled numerous strongest assets,” said Dave Harris, accomplishments by promoting him to the boating accidents, including serious Utah’s former boating law administrator. rank of Fish and Wildlife Sergeant. injury accidents and one fatality, but statistics don’t capture the wide Last summer, Lt. Stucki rescued a female As part of his duties, Sgt. Johnson oversees diversity of boating safety patrol he boater on the Weber River who had been all aspects of WDFW’s Boating Safety encounters every day. separated from her raft and was stranded Program, including training, assessment, on the opposite shore with no chance of and vessel-inspection tracking. He also self-rescue. With injured feet and helped to develop an agency-wide boating suffering from heat exhaustion, the safety program for all other WDFW victim fell into shock. Lt. Stucki employees who operate vessels. This commandeered a raft, rowed across the program ensures that these employees river, treated her symptoms, and have the best boating-safety training brought her back safely. possible. ❃

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 35 Clever consultant secures training By Kimberly Jenkins

36 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory hrough a partnership initiated The city and fire departments had T by a retired boating law obtained boats using money from a Port administrator, 120 first Security Grant, and Hensley worked responders from 11 local and state with them to provide basic training to agencies in Kentucky and Indiana get them operational. received crucial on-water training this summer. Felix Hensley, who He urged them to apply for another grant recently retired from the to obtain more advanced training. From Indiana Department of his work with the National Association of Natural Resources where he State Boating Law Administrators, served as the state’s boating specifically on the Homeland Security law administrator, Committee, Hensley was well acquainted coordinated with the local, with the Boat Operations and Training state and federal agencies to (BOAT) Program. organize a series of training offerings in basic boat crew Launched in 2010, the BOAT Program operations, tactical covers the spectrum of professional operations, pursuit and stop, training for the marine law enforcement and search and rescue. officer as well as emergency search and rescue personnel. On May 11, 2012, the Hensley had hoped U.S. Coast Guard, with the signing of a to orchestrate a memorandum of understanding, comprehensive formally adopted and recognized training opportunity NASBLA’s BOAT Program as the for officers when he national standard for the training and was Indiana’s BLA, credentialing of state, local, county and but it just wasn’t in tribal maritime law enforcement officers the cards. Following and rescue personnel. retirement, he joined the city of When talking with the fire departments Jeffersonville, Ind., about obtaining more training, Hensley on a part-time basis. discussed the importance of including other agencies so all personnel would have the same standard of training..The mayor and the officials of the City of Jeffersonville quickly realized the huge benefit of other agencies participating in standardized training and agreed to take on the burden of administering the grant, while allowing half of the slots to go to other agencies. Hensley wrote the grant, which was approved.

As a result of the resulting partnership, 120 officers from 11 agencies completed the Basic Crew Member course. Because

(Continued on page 38) November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 37 of the more individualized training in the Tactical Operators and Boat Operators Search and Rescue courses, hence the smaller class sizes, officers from five agencies completed those training offerings. Following this summer’s training series in the Louisville/Jeffersonville area, the Port of Louisville now has more people trained in NASBLA’s BCM course than any other area within Kentucky or Indiana.

Hensley encourages any agency that hasn’t had training through the BOAT Program to do everything in its power to get this training. “I don’t know anywhere else to get this level of consistency,”he adds.

For those interested in obtaining training through the BOAT Program, Hensley invokes the power of force multipliers. “Do not conduct training for just one agency. Do something that will provide regional benefit and involve every Thanks to a Port Security Grant agency capable of obtained by Felix Hensley, responding on the water,” 120 area responders from he wisely advises. 11 agencies participated in critical on-water training: In addition to learning invaluable skills, the ● Jeffersonville Police Department training has facilitated ● Jefferson County Fire strong partnerships. Department “People that normally ● Jeffersonville Police Department wouldn’t interact are now ● Clarksville Fire Department working together. For ● Louisville Metro Fire Department example, the Indiana ● Louisville Metro Police Department of Natural Resources ● Indiana Department of Natural officers are now letting fire department Resources personnel on their boats for extra time ● Indiana State Police on the water. Responding to an ● Kentucky Department of Fish & emergency is not the time to be Wildlife Resources practicing,” says Hensley. ❃ ● Clark County Sheriff’s Department ● New Albany Fire Department ● Harrison County Emergency Management

A special thank-you to Felix Hensley and Mark Farmer for contributing many of the photographs for this article.

38 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory OPERARAATTION DRYRY WAWAATTER JUNE 28-30,, 20132

NUMBER OF AGENCIES 144,044 6,219 BOOAATAATERSTERS OFFICERS 513 CONTTAACTED

17,159 290 CITTAATATIONS & SAFETY BUI AARRESTS WAWARNINGS

58,971 VESSEL CONTTAACTS

HIGHESTSTT BAC 1XPEHURI 2IğFHUV 3DUWLFLSDWLQJ REPORRTTED 2013 6,219 2012 4,519 .243 2011 3,6873,687

Learn more: www.operationdrywaterr..org BOATING

ACA works to expand the course and seek possible instructor Safe Boating paddlesport instructionBriefcandidates for the Instructor Certification s Council (NSBC). Workshops (ICW). “The industry is increasingly If you’re in one of the 14 states and would seeing the value like to participate in the project, contact T.J. of educating Turner, the Paddlesport Training Grant people on how to Coordinator for this project, at boat safely, and [email protected]. He is excited the Council is a to work with different state entities to great bridge create more paddlesport awareness and between industry safety through these courses. and the general public,” said Edmonston. “I look forward to working with the Council to “This grant project will allow the ACA to strengthen and grow this great coalition. It Through a grant project, the American Canoe Association will provide 14 Instructor Certification increase our current capability to conduct does a great job of bringing state and federal Workshops for selected state, law enforcement on-water instruction for a range of agencies together with industry partners to entities, and related organizations. individuals and organizations across the address boating safety issues.” ACA photo country,” said Turner. “This opportunity will promote your organization as a A native Marylander, Edmonston has been Under a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard, recognized member of the ACA, increase boating his entire life and currently boats the American Canoe Association (ACA) is your instructor’s skills and abilities, and with his family on the Chesapeake Bay. working to create more paddlesport better promote your state entity in the instruction certification opportunities for paddling community,” he added. The National Safe Boating Council is law enforcement personnel and other state responsible for the annual National Safe entities and organizations. As part of the By the completion of the grant on Boating Week (May 17-23, 2014) and the project, ACA, national leader in September 30, 2014, there will be 140 new “Wear It” life jacket promotional program. paddlesports safety, education, and paddlesport instructors and four new It offers a series of safe boating courses for instruction since 1972, will offer an instructor trainers. These new instructors instructors, research publications, Introductory or an Essentials course will act as a force multiplier to expand educational tools, an informative boating pertaining to each of the following: Stand paddlesport education in their respective safety newsletter, and more. Go to Up Paddle Boarding, Canoeing, or Kayaking. regions. For more information, please visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org for more the ACA’s website at: http://www.american information. Fourteen states are targeted for the canoe. org/InstructorTrainingGrant. training: Alabama, Alaska, California, Created in its current form by the Federal Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Boating Safety Act of 1971, the Council is the Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto BoatUS Foundation nation’s principal public-private boating Rico, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. The President elected chairman safety advocacy organization with a ACA will provide the facilitating instructor of National Safe Boating coalition of over 330 U.S. and international trainers, equipment, and the educational Council member organizations. Its mission is to standards and materials. The ACA will then BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and promote a safer recreational boating need the help of various state and local Clean Water President Chris Edmonston experience through education, outreach organizations to set a date and location for has been elected chairman of the National and training.

40 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Boating safety organization Catron said the public outreach campaign is in the completion of a project or program receives coveted award designed to enlighten and encourage the significantly beneficial to the Coast Guard's In October, the National Safe Boating use of life jackets while boaters and missions and responsibilities. Council received the Summit Award from swimmers are enjoying Indiana waterways. the American Society of Account Executives (ASAE) for its Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day. This event NY legislation mandates to help raise awareness about the boaters to take safety class importance of life jacket wear is doing its On Sept. 27, 2013, Governor Andrew M. part to "make the world a better place to Cuomo signed legislation to improve safety live." for boaters in New York's waterways by requiring safety classes for all boat The Summit Award is the highest operators. recognition under The Power of A Awards, part of The Power of A campaign, which “New York State has some of the best ASAE launched in 2009 to increase recreational and thriving commercial awareness about the wealth of knowledge waterways in the country, and it is our and resources in the association community responsibility to ensure they remain safe with policymakers and other audiences. for all boat operators and passengers,” Governor Cuomo said. “This legislation will make sure that those who operate any kind Indiana DNR announces of boat have the necessary training and 'Wear It' winner experience, and they are aware of the risks Police Officer Joel Fuoco with the Nassau and proper protocol for handling their County Police receives the USCG Certificate To stress the importance of water safety to of Merit from Rear Admiral Joseph M. Hoosier youth, Indiana Conservation vessels. I thank Senator Carlucci and Vojvodich and Master Chief Terry Lathrop. Officers from the Department of Natural Assemblywoman Galef for putting together Resources and Boys & Girls Clubs join this important new law to protect all those forces annually and host a coloring contest traveling on our waterways.” Police Officer Joel Fuoco of the Nassau under the guise of "Wear It Indiana." The County (NY) Police Department was joint effort stresses the importance of The new law (A.3471-A/S.1639-A) requires recognized for his commitment to regional wearing a proper-fitting life jacket when on all boat operators to obtain a boating safety maritime safety; his role in the a boat or participating in water activities on certificate by completing an eight hour safe development of Operation Gateway – a lakes, rivers or streams. boating course. The requirement will be put New York regional border waterway into effect over a period of years, beginning security initiative; his service as training Lexis Haden,9, was recently named the next year with all 18-year-old boaters. co-Chairman of the Department of 2013 winner and presented her very own Certificates can be obtained and the safety Homeland Security (Domestic Nuclear life jacket by Chet Walker, CPO of the Rush course completed with the New York State Detection Office) Securing The Cities County Boys & Girls Club, and DNR officer Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Program – Maritime Sub-Committee; his Gary Catron. Preservation, U.S. Power Squadrons, or the service to the Port of Long Island Sound U.S. Coast Guard. Area Maritime Security Committee; his continuing efforts to coordinate with Previous law only required the operator of regional facilities regulated under the a personal watercraft to obtain a boating Maritime Transportation Security Act; and safety certificate or be accompanied on the his liaison work with the U.S. Coast Guard vessel by a person over 18 years of age who for both the annual Jones Beach Air Show is the holder of a safety certificate. The new and the national Operation Dry Water law extends the requirement to all initiative. motorized water vessels. Chief Harbor Master Edward Michels of the East Hampton Town (NY) Police Coast Guard recognizes Department Marine Patrol was recognized NY officers for his commitment to regional maritime Earlier this year, two New York officers safety and his service as a prominent law were recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard for enforcement partner; his leadership role in their work in recreational boating safety. the development of the Long Island East Each officer received the Certificate of End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force; Merit, which recognizes significant his stewardship in coordinating the Recently named the 2013 winner of Indiana’s endeavors such as displaying initiative in resources of 13 marine law enforcement Wear It! coloring contest, Lexis Haden receives a life jacket from Chet Walker, CPO of the Rush advancing one or more of the Coast Guard's agencies at the federal, state, county and County Boys & Girls Club, and DNR officer missions and significant effort that resulted local levels; his efforts to identify maritime Gary Catron (holding Lexis’s winning entry). (Continued on page 42)

November-DecemberJuly-August 2013 NASBLA.ORG 4121 available on a loan basis to interested “If we can convert first-time anglers to parties on a first-come, first-served basis for repeat anglers, we can have a significant the cost of shipping and insurance. The positive impact on fishing license sales and point of contact to arrange the logistics of revenue for state conservation and wildlife borrowing the equipment is Eric Johnson at management efforts,” added Peterson. 202.372.1101 or via email at [email protected]. RBFF is conducting additional research to gain further insights into first-time license The test procedure will be reviewed in buyers’ preferences and motivations to approximately three years or earlier, if develop an effective retention strategy that necessary, and will consider any comments will compel first-time anglers to renew received from interested parties. The test their license. Additional findings will be procedure was developed for the Coast shared in December in conjunction with Guard by the American Boat and Yacht RBFF’s State Marketing Workshop and in Council and may be viewed and downloaded March at the North American Wildlife and at www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx. Natural Resources Conference. Chief Harbor Master Edward Michels with the East Hampton Town Police Department The full report is available on receives the USCG Certificate of Merit TakeMeFishing.org/Corporate. from Rear Admiral Joseph M. Vojvodich. New research shows first- Mrs. Debra Michels is also present. time anglers twice as likely to lapse than repeat anglers Access Board issues final vulnerabilities in Suffolk County and to First-time anglers guidelines for federal work with USCG maritime security are two times outdoor recreation sites hierarchy; his continuing service as the lead more likely to The U.S. Access Board has issued new instructor of the Standard Marine Patrol lapse out of accessibility guidelines for outdoor areas Vessel Operator Curriculum – a regional fishing than developed by the federal government. The marine law enforcement training program; repeat anglers, guidelines provide detailed specifications and his dedication to marine safety and according to new for accessible trails, picnic and camping security preparedness in support of the U.S. research from the areas, viewing areas, beach access routes Coast Guard’s mission in the region. Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and other components of outdoor (RBFF). The analysis, which was conducted developed areas when newly built or in partnership with Southwick Associates, altered. They also provide exceptions for US Coast Guard releases looked at license sales data in 36 states. The situations where terrain and other factors Propeller Guard Test findings highlight the importance of make compliance impracticable. Procedure report retention efforts and will help RBFF shape The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Auxiliary future state marketing programs to “The Board is eager to release these and Boating Safety has released the Propeller increase fishing license sales. guidelines, which were long in the making, Guard Test Procedure report, intended for to explain how access to the great outdoors use by developers of propeller guard devices “There are a significant number of people can be achieved,” states Access Board Chair and independent third-party testing entities who lapse out of fishing each year,” said Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA. “The greatest to test propeller guard products in a RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. challenge in developing these guidelines consistent and repeatable manner. “We took a close look at both first-time and was balancing what’s needed for repeat anglers to identify and characterize accessibility against what’s possible in "The report provides the means to evaluate their differences, so we can better target natural environments with limited the boat performance characteristics and our messaging to these audiences, and keep development.” the level of protection of personnel in the them engaged in fishing.” water resulting from the installation of a Requirements for trails, outdoor recreation propeller guard on a particular sterndrive or Key Findings access routes, and beach access routes outboard-powered recreational boat," said ● First-time anglers are two times more address surface characteristics, width, and Phil Cappel, chief of the USCG’s Recreational likely to lapse than repeat anglers, with running and cross slopes. Exceptions are Boating Product Assurance Branch. renewal rates of 31% and 68% included for these and other provisions respectively. under certain conditions stipulated in the The test procedure was developed through ● First-time anglers are more likely than guidelines. Departures are allowed where comprehensive on-water testing of various repeat anglers to be: younger, female, compliance is not practicable because of available propeller guards to compile Hispanic, live in metro and urban terrain or prevailing construction practices. evaluative performance criteria and communities and have families with Exceptions are also recognized where laboratory testing of the personnel young children. compliance would conflict with mandates protection capabilities of these same ● On average, repeat anglers spend 47% such as the Endangered Species Act and propeller guards. more annually than first-time anglers other laws or where it would fundamentally on fishing licenses, tags and permits. alter a site’s function or purpose. The diagnostic test equipment required for the performance testing will be made

42 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory The guidelines originate from set the standard in education in the the Maryland Department of Natural recommendations prepared by an advisory worldwide marina industry. The award is Resources now offers Maryland boat panel chartered by the Board, the Outdoor given annually to provide financial owners a free option with the availability Developed Areas Regulatory Negotiation assistance for training. of the no-cost BoatUS Foundation Online Committee. They were made available for Boating Safety Course. The BoatUS public comment twice and finalized course fully meets the state’s education according to the feedback received. The rule Mercury Marine, US Army requirements for boaters and PWC applies only to national parks and other partner in recruiting operators born on or after July 1, 1972 federal sites, but the Board plans to follow program and is also approved by the National up with rulemaking to address non-federal Mercury Marine and the U.S. Army Association of State Boating Law sites under the Americans with Disabilities recruiting command signed an agreement Administrators and recognized by the Act (ADA). in September to provide priority interview U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the status to qualified soldiers participating in minimum requirements for the National The rule applies to federal agencies that the Army’s Partnership for Youth Success Recreational Boating Safety Program. develop outdoor areas for recreational (PaYS) program. purposes, including the National Park “Our goal is to make boating safety Service, the Forest Service, the Fish and “Mercury Marine is proud to partner with education as accessible as possible to as Wildlife Service, the Army Corps of the U.S. Army as a member of the PaYS many boaters possible,” said BoatUS Engineers, the Bureau of Land family,” said Mercury President Mark Foundation President Chris Edmonston. Management, and the Bureau of Schwabero. “The program provides direct “By making Maryland’s course free, it Reclamation. The new requirements access to prospective employees who have removes the last possible barrier toward became mandatory on November 25, 2013, developed professional work habits and ensuring everyone’s safety. And because as part of the Architectural Barriers Act have been held to the highest standards. It you can work on it as you go, it fits in with Accessibility Standards, which apply to also provides participating soldiers with today’s busy schedules.” facilities that are built, altered, or leased Army training in a particular job skill or set with federal funds. of skills that match our needs.” The course is loaded with interactive animations, videos and photos to give For further information on the rule, visit After soldiers enlist in the Army, they are boaters an education that goes well beyond the Board’s website at http://www.access- provided an opportunity to link with a the basics of boating. Videos show board.gov or contact Bill Botten at PaYS partner, such as Mercury Marine, that important safety devices such as visual [email protected], 202.272.0014 will reserve future interview opportunities distress signals, how to get help in an (v), or 202.272.0073 (TTY). that relate to the soldier’s military emergency, how to prevent fires aboard occupational specialty. Throughout their your boat, and the best way to fit a child’s active duty status, the soldiers receive life jacket. AMI hands out scholarships hands-on training, experience and field for trade groups instruction in that specific career field, working toward any required certification. ATA Associates boat-testing They also gain discipline, work ethics and techniques featured on maturity while learning to work as part of Discovery Channel a team, in addition to developing leadership In July 2013, video production crews from The Association of Marina skills and Army values. The Discovery Channel – Canada visited Industries presented its first two Neil the facilities of ATA Associates in Houston Ross awards to the California More than 150 veterans are currently to film a documentary featuring ATA’s Harbormasters and Port Captains employed by Mercury Marine in Fond du methods and techniques involving Association (CAHMPC) and the New Jersey Lac. Coinciding with the PaYS agreement- recreational boat testing. Marine Trade Association (MTA/NJ). Each signing ceremony, Mercury announced the trade association then selected the formation of a Veteran Employees Ziya Tong, the program’s host, interviewed individual to receive the awards. Network, which will allow veterans an CEO Robert Swint and Chief Engineer increased opportunity to communicate Ed Fritsch regarding boat testing The MTA/NJ chose executive director Melissa with and support each other while instrumentation and data collection Danko to receive the award and attend the transitioning to a life beyond the military. techniques developed by the company to International Marina and Boatyard It will also serve the veteran community collect vessel performance data in accident Conference. CAHMPC chose harbor through participation in community reconstruction cases. Video segments operations manager Mick Kronman, who will service events. included interview portions at the ATA attend advanced marina manager training. facility as well as exemplary boat-test segments recorded at an area lake. The Neil Ross Scholarship was formed in Maryland approves online recognition of the numerous contributions boating safety course The five-minute feature will air on the that Neil Ross has made to the Association Until recently, the only option for Discovery channel in the near future. of Marina Industries and to the marina Maryland boaters wanting to take a For additional information, go to the industry overall. As a founder of the required boating safety course was to pay ATA Associates website at International Marina Institute, Ross helped for one out of their own pocket. However, http://www.ataassociates.com.❃

November-December 2013 NASBLA.ORG 43 coast guard

By Joseph Carro U. S. Coast Guard COMMENTS Boating Safety Division Top o fficers exemplify excellence

nce again it is my honor and more of whatever is needed. This behavior Year. They all have “it”! Subdued Opleasure to pen remarks for the is never for fortune and glory, or any confidence, not boastful; deliberate, not Small Craft Advisory Boating Officer kind of self-elevation. It is always because arrogant; full of pride with not a prideful of the Year issue. This special title is something inside says to keep doing what word spoken. In a word, they seem reserved for recognition of our highest you know is right, mostly for the love of ordinary, but in truth they are achievers, our best officers, our top it all and providing for a life of service. extraordinary. performers, literally, our Officers of the Year. We have all known, met, or even A quick comparison shows that all of our I recently read an article about a fly been that top performer. We all know the outstanding leaders have the same fisherman, an outdoorsman born in the characteristics of an Officer of the Year. descriptors: motivated, dedicated, and hills of Pennsylvania, who found a home committed. Many of us have these same in the Florida everglades. He had The words found on various achievement characteristics. The top-tier performers sharpened his skills and behavior so when awards are the same ones used to describe have something more going on. It’s not the first class of Florida Fish and Game these officers’ daily behavior: “dedication always easy to describe, but you know it officers came along, he was among the to duty,” “surpassing the highest when you see it. Whether it is in the eyes graduates. I am sure he could have been standards,” and “in keeping with the of the new officer from the mountains of an Officer of the Year candidate today. highest traditions.” Sometimes we use the North falling in love with the swamps These men and women all looked like ordinary words to describe unremarkable of the bayou, or the homegrown officer they could be Officer of the Year any time, behavior: “doing the right thing right,” who grew up just down the road a piece any place. I am speculating, but it seems “it is just my job,” or “you would have from his area of responsibility – they all logical that the mettle in those first done the same thing if you were there.” have “it.” We can learn most of it and Florida officers is the same mettle in These ordinary words and the described apply it to our lives, but some of us may today’s officers, with an extra portion for unremarkable behavior couldn’t be never fully understand. We do many of an Officer of the Year. further from what usually has occurred – our tasks as part of our jobs. For others, it that is, extraordinary and remarkable is way more than just a job that they love; I want to congratulate Wisconsin behavior in anything but ordinary it borders on obsession in the best Conservation Warden Juan Gomez on his situations. possible way. selection as NASBLA’s Officer of the Year. While I don’t think I have met Warden This is what contributes to our Officer of I have had the pleasure of meeting, Gomez, I would say he has an “extra the Year. We are all dedicated and training and working with many state portion.” committed to our jobs and the life’s work officers, some of whom have been selected we have chosen. These extraordinary the Officer of the Year in their states as Congratulations to all the candidates and officers want to go – can’t stop themselves well as the NASBLA Officer of the Year. thanks for your service! ❃ from going – a little further, staying on With most, after a short conversation, it’s patrol a little longer, and providing a little apparent why they are the Officers of the

44 NASBLA.ORG November-December 2013 Small Craft Advisory Boat Ed ® congratulates the 13th Coast Guard District for winning the 2013 Innovations Award.

Consider the ways you innovate. Dan Shipman (middle) accepted the award from Jason Alexander (left) and Cindy Kalkomey (right) of You could win in 2014. Boat Ed®, which sponsors the Innovations Award.

Contact: Mitch Strobl [email protected]@kalkomey.com 214-437-9900

July-August 2013 NASBLA.ORG 21 kalkomey.comkalkomey.com PRESORTED STANDARD U S POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND OH SCA PERMIT NO 1702 small craft advisory November-December 2013 | Vol. 28 No. 6 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 360 Lexington, KY 40511 Change Service Requested

2013-14 Recreational Boating Safety Calendar

24-26 11-12 December February Water Sports Industry Association NASBLA 10-12 5 Summit in the Snow Education Standards Panel Meeting NASBLA NASBLA Steamboat, Colorado Boating Under the Influence Lexington, Kentucky Boating Under the Influence www.wsia.net/summit-in-the-snow- www.nasbla.org Train-the-Trainer Course Transition Course 2014 Jefferson City, Missouri [email protected] Anchorage, Alaska [email protected] 859.225.9487 www.nasbla.org/bui www.nasbla.org/bui 407.251.9039 [email protected] [email protected] 859.225.9487 13-14 859.225.9487 NASBLA March Education & Outreach 18 4-6 Committee Meeting NASBLA NASBLA Nashville, Tennessee 2014 Executive Board Meeting Boating Under the Influence www.nasbla.org January Lexington, Kentucky Train-the-Trainer Course [email protected] www.nasbla.org Biloxi, Mississippi 859.225.9487 14-16 [email protected] www.nasbla.org/bui NASBLA 859.225.9487 [email protected] 14-17 Boating Under the Influence 859.225.9487 International Boating & Water Detection & Enforcement Course 18 Safety Summit Clive, Iowa NASBLA 5 Nashville, Tennessee National Recreational www.nasbla.org/bui Enforcement & Training www.ibwss.org [email protected] Committee Meeting Boating Safety Coalition Meeting 859.225.9487 Washington, D.C. Lexington, Kentucky [email protected] 15 www.nasbla.org 202.257.2836 NASBLA 15 [email protected] Boating Under the Influence National Recreational 859.225.9487 10-12 Transition Course Boating Safety Coalition Meeting Homeland Security Outlook Saratoga Springs, New York Washington, D.C. 19 Maritime Security East www.nasbla.org/bui [email protected] NASBLA Boston, Massachusetts [email protected] 202.257.2836 Boating Under the Influence www.maritimesecurityeast.com 859.225.9487 Transition Course 26-February 2 Columbia, South Carolina 17-20 17 www.nasbla.org/bui NASBLA NASBLA United States Power Squadrons Comprehensive Boating [email protected] Boating Under the Influence Annual Meeting Accident Investigation Course Transition Course Jacksonville, Florida 859.225.9487 Sea Girt, New Jersey New London, Connecticut www.usps.org www.nasbla.org/accident 19-20 www.nasbla.org/bui [email protected] [email protected] NASBLA 859.225.9487 27-30 859.225.9487 NASBLA BLA Workshop Comprehensive Boating Accident Lexington, Kentucky 19-21 Investigation Course www.nasbla.org National Drowning Prevention Waco, Texas [email protected] Alliance Educational Conference May www.nasbla.org/accident 859.225.9487 Orlando, Florida [email protected] http://ndpa.org/home 5-8 859.225.9487 NASBLA 21 Comprehensive Boating Accident NASBLA Investigation Course Engineering, Reporting & Analysis April Spring Grove, Illinois Committee Meeting 7-10 www.nasbla.org/accident Lexington, Kentucky NASBLA [email protected] www.nasbla.org Comprehensive Boating 859.225.9487 [email protected] Accident Investigation Course 859.225.9487 Grand Rapids, Michigan www.nasbla.org/accident [email protected] 859.225.9487