Yamhill County Marine Patrol Honored for Saving Lives and Seasonal Program of the Year Award

PHOTO: www.boatoregon.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon State Marine Board recognized several Marine Deputies for their outstanding job performance and lifesaving efforts during the 2010 boating season at the Marine Board’s annual Marine Law Enforcement Conference held in Bend, on October 16.

Yamhill County Marine Patrol Unit was recognized with the “Seasonal Program of the Year Award” for their patrol efforts during the 2010 boating season. The Yamhill County Marine Patrol conducted 652 boat examinations, issued 30 citations and 188 warnings, conducted 26 hull inspections, conducted four boater education classes educating 74 students and recovered three stolen motor boats.

Three deputies on two different incidents were also recognized for their lifesaving efforts.
First, on July 6, 2010 while on routine marine patrol between the I-5 Bridge and the Boones Ferry boat ramp, deputies Mike Samerdyke and Chris Bryant spotted two dogs struggling in a mud flat on the south side of the river. As the deputies approached what they thought was a medium size brown dog and a yellow/blonde small terrier dog, they quickly realized the smaller yellow dog was actually a small, three-year old boy, buried to their chests in the dense mud. Deputy Samerdyke got off the patrol boat and with great difficulty and personal risk, pulled the toddler out of the mud and onto a nearby dock.

After securing the patrol boat, the deputies attempted to rescue the dog. After a struggle, the frightened dog was able to make it to the shoreline safely and ultimately returned to the owner’s home on its own. “I’m sure if the boy had been in the mud for another 20 minutes, he wouldn’t have made it,” said Marine Patrol Sergeant Steve Warden as the award was being presented at the conference. The boy was taken to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and soon reunited with his parents, who had just reported him missing. Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree recalled, “Both deputies were in the right place at the right time, with the right equipment to affect this rescue, and we are so grateful.”

Second, on August 6, 2010 while patrolling on the Willamette River, Deputies Dave Palen and Chris Bryant observed a group of people waiving and pointing downriver as two heads were barely seen bobbing in the strong current.

With careful maneuvering, the deputies were able to get close enough to safely board the victims from the swift current. The two female victims were taken back to their camp where the deputies learned they both had attempted to rescue a third person, who had safely made it back to shore. “Deputy Palen and Bryant relied on many years of experience, quick thinking, and training received at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy to safely execute this rescue,” said Scott Brewen, Director of the Marine Board. “Congratulations to Deputy Dave Palen and Deputy Chris Bryant for a job well done.”

For more information about the Marine Board’s law enforcement boating safety partnerships and programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.