The Oregon State Marine Board recognized marine law enforcement officers from Klamath, Malheur, Coos, and Benton County Sheriff’s Offices for their marine law enforcement efforts during 2017. The recognition occurred during the Marine Board’s annual post-season conference, held in Redmond on October 16, 17. The Marine Board honors sheriff’s marine deputies and state police troopers each year with recognition of their life saving efforts and exceptional service awards. Life Saving Awards – The fall and winter storms created exceptionally dangerous situations for boaters and marine law enforcement who frequently put themselves in the line of danger to save others. There were several rescues conducted by marine law enforcement who deserve recognition for their life saving efforts. Three rescue events were recognized involving five deputies. On February 9 around 6:30 pm, flood waters overtook a man in a pick up truck in the Myrtle Point area who attempted to drive through an area without realizing the water level was as deep as it was. The truck was quickly swept off the road by strong current, pinning the truck against trees and fencing. Emergency responders were called and fire personnel attempted rescue from their vehicles, but were unable to get close enough, safely. By this time, water started to fill the cab of the truck and the victim opened his window to climb on to the bed of the truck. Within minutes, the truck started to bounce up and down in the current. Roughly thirty minutes later, Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputy Doug Strain and Sergeant Will Coleman arrived on the scene using a drift boat, navigating in the dark through the debris-filled river upstream from the victim’s location. Upon arrival, the strong current pushed the patrol boat into the trees in front of the truck. Deputies Strain and Coleman secured the bow of the boat using a rope system so the boat could be freed from the trees and belayed down to the truck to retrieve the victim. Using the lines and a lot of muscle, the deputies were able to throw a life jacket to the victim and safely bring him on board the boat. Deputy Strain and Sergeant Coleman have served as marine patrol instructors for the Marine Board, and have extensive knowledge and experience with rigging methods using knots and with whitewater rescue. “The outcome could have been tragic for the victim had it not been for the application, timing and expertise of Deputy Strain and Sergeant Coleman in this situation,” said Henry.
