Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Volunteers Celebrate Another Successful Year

"I am convinced what you have done for the people on the lake is more than education, you have saved lives. Because of what you are doing to help insure the safety of everyone on the lake, you have saved lives" - Acting Sheriff Jason Myers

Photos of Marion County Sheriff's Volunteers courtesy, Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Marion County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Volunteers ended the season with a barbecue and words of appreciation from Acting Sheriff Jason Myers and Operations Commander Kevin Schultz.

In addition to the Marine Patrol Deputies and Reserve Deputies there are eight dedicated volunteers who spend time on Detroit Lake from May through the Labor Day weekend.

The volunteers are trained to do boat inspections, help with traffic safety at the Mongold boat ramp and are able to tow disabled boats when needed.

According to Commander Schultz "Other than providing a safer recreational environment, there is added value in the time our volunteers spend educating the public. It allows our enforcement deputies to dedicate their time to more serious public safety issues."

This season the volunteers gave over 1040 hours total (valued at $25,622.00) with 151 of those hours volunteered over the 4th of July weekend.

Although something much more important than the monetary value, Acting Sheriff Jason Myers told the volunteers, "I am convinced what you have done for the people on the lake is more than education, you have saved lives. Because of what you are doing to help insure the safety of everyone on the lake, you have saved lives."

He went on to say "I appreciate each and every one of you and all that you have done for the Sheriff's Office and the community".

Even though the volunteers are done at Detroit Lake for the season, most of them will continue to volunteer their time with different programs such as the Disabled Parking Patrol and the Radar Reader program.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Sheriff's Office visit our web site at co.marion.or.us/so and go to ‘Join our Team'. You can also contact the Sheriff's Office Volunteer Coordinator, Doc Nelson at (503) 589-3250 or e mail him at dnelson@co.marion.or.us