Sheriff's Office gets award, money for increased boat inspections

On the river with the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Marine Patrol. (KLEW File)

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Story Published: Nov 7, 2009 at 11:34 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2009 at 11:34 AM PST

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - Nez Perce County is being recognized for keeping area waters safe.

It came as a surprise at an annual meeting for marine deputies from around the state of Idaho, as the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recognized Nez Perce County for their work on the local waterways.

Chief Deputy Alan Johnson credits the work of Marine Deputy and Sergeant Jay Colvin, as well as Lieutenant Bill Madison, for what Johnson said was the only award of it's kind handed out.

"It was in appreciation for the work that Sergeant Colvin and Lieutenant Madison, and some part time employees did in some boat inspections, improving from last year to this year," said Johnson. "Last year I think we had around 87 boat inspections. This year we had over 4,500."

Johnson said the Sheriff's Office benefits financially from each boat inspection, but more importantly each inspection is added assurance that boaters are taking safety seriously when they launch.

And Johnson said the recognition doesn't only come in the form of a plaque in the lobby of the new sheriff's office.

"There's about $57,000 that's coming to the Sheriff's Office for this year," said Johnson. "We're hoping to continue the program next year and continue to get money coming into the Sheriff's Office."

Johnson said in the short term, the money will go to help the two deputies currently staffed in the waterways program.

"Long-range, we're looking at this as a way of funding another employee that would be assigned to waterways that would be on the river during the summer and spring," said Johnson. "Usually during winter, we move those folks up onto Craig Mountain and the Waha area on snowmobiles and 4-wheelers to patrol up there."

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