OSP Springfield Trooper Selected as 2008 'Trooper of the Year'

Boyd joined OSP in September 2004.

Left to right: Captain Markee, Trooper Boyd, Sergeant Hulett Photo: OSP

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) - A Springfield-area Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division trooper known for having "an outstanding ability to place himself in the right place at the right time" received the division's 2008 "Fish & Wildlife Division Officer of the Year" award.

Trooper Marc Boyd, age 44, was presented the award by Captain Walt Markee, OSP Fish & Wildlife Division director, and Sergeant Tom Hulett during a presentation at the OSP Springfield Area Command office.

This is the third annual presentation of the division's award that is based on criteria including professionalism, dedication to citizens and natural resources of our State, and work ethic. Nominations were received from around the State and reviewed by regional and General Headquarters staff before the announcement of the award recipient.

In submitting Trooper Boyd's nomination, Sergeant Hulett praised the trooper's enthusiasm and professionalism as a model for the Department and fellow employees of the Fish & Wildlife Division.

"Trooper Boyd sets an outstanding example to his peers and to the public with his attention to fish, wildlife, traffic, criminal and marine enforcement. His self-motivation and high performance standard doesn't just attempt to meet our goals, he drives himself to exceed them each day," said Hulett.

Some of Trooper Boyd's noted commendations and awards for his work in 2008 include:

* Letter of Commendation for his quick actions in stopping a violent domestic disturbance at the Lane County Courthouse, preventing the intended victim from being seriously injured.

* Recipient of the 2007/2008 Eugene Delta Rotary Vocational Service Law Enforcement Award for outstanding law enforcement service in Lane County.

* Letter of Commendation from the Springfield Area Commander for his enforcement efforts in July 2008. During the year, the trooper issued 375 citations for fish, wildlife, marine, traffic and criminal offenses. He also arrested 14 DUII drivers and two individuals for Boating Under the Influence.

During 2008, Trooper Boyd investigated and successfully concluded a variety of cases including:

* The February investigation of unlawfully dumped sheep carcasses, including one sheep still alive among the carcass pile, along a Lane County road west of Eugene. Starting with very little evidence to initially identify a suspect, Trooper Boyd was able to identify two suspects responsible for dumping and failing to humanely dispose of the sheep. Both suspects were cited and convicted on charges including Animal Abuse.

* An August investigation that started while the trooper patrolled the Quartz Creek drainage near Blue River and came across an unoccupied vehicle. Suspecting the vehicle occupants may be engaged in growing marijuana, he searched the area and found three men tending a marijuana patch in an adjacent canyon. The three men were subsequently arrested for Unlawful Manufacturing a Controlled Substance.

Boyd joined OSP in September 2004. He was first assigned in the Fish & Wildlife Division at the Newport Area Command office and transferred to the OSP Springfield Area Command office in July 2007.

Last year's honoree was Sergeant Todd Hoodenpyl from the Tillamook worksite. The award's first recipient in 2006 was Trooper Luke Schwartz from the OSP St. Helens work site.

The primary responsibility of the Fish & Wildlife Division is enforcement of fish, wildlife, and commercial fishing laws and protection of natural resources. The members of the Fish and Wildlife Division also enforce traffic, criminal, boating, livestock and environmental protection laws in addition to responding to emergency situations.