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Posted - 02/11/2009 : 07:43:24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 10, 2009
Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014
Michigan Conservation Officer Named One of 2008 Boating Officers of the
Year
Michigan Conservation Officer Greg Patten has been named a 2008 Boating
Officer of the Year by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators. Officer Patten was one of 18 officers nominated from
Northern States for the honor. Officer Patten is a 22-year veteran
conservation officer and is stationed in Muskegon County. His work area
is adjacent to Lake Michigan, and includes several inland lakes and two
major river systems.
“Greg Patten is an exemplary marine enforcement officer, and
strengthened our relationship with other law enforcement agencies out on
the water, including the U.S. Coast Guard, local sheriff’s department
and public safety officials,” said Department of Natural Resources Law
Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “He conducts several boating
under the influence enforcement patrols, and is often contacted by other
agencies to assist in these types of investigations.”
Officer Patten works on marine safety compliance with all user groups,
including cold-water hunting situations, charter boats and recreational
boaters. He is often requested by law enforcement agencies and
constituent groups to provide marine safety education, and in 2008
provided an educational presentation to the Muskegon Power Squadron and
training to the U.S. Coast Guard.
“Officer Patten has an exceptional working relationship with the U.S.
Coast Guard Station in Muskegon,” Hagler noted. “These partnerships
result in better marine safety enforcement efforts in this region.”
Some examples of Patten’s partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard
include working a rocket launch safety zone on Lake Michigan, numerous
joint patrols, on-the-water charter boat joint patrol and assisting with
on-water training scenarios.
Officer Patten also has strong community ties, including a public radio
show promoting marine safety and numerous other marine safety public
appearances. He annually attends and assists the U.S. Coast Guard, Grand
Haven Charter Boat Association and others with the Indian Trails Spring
Lake outing, which consists of providing persons with disabilities with
a boat ride on local charter boats.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy
for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational
boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use
and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future
generations.
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Todd Alexander
ASC Membership Services Manager
talexander@team-asc.com
www.team-asc.com
734-552-4839 |
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