Once again, another summer is gone, with no news from the Westport Police Marine Division.
That’s good news.
Quietly, efficiently, and under the radar, the unit keeps Westport waters — and beyond — safe for boaters of all kinds, from all over.
The town’s website notes: “Currently the Westport Police Marine Division operates 3 boats, from 18 feet to 33 feet.
“Approximately 25 officers are currently qualified to work on the police boats, and 3 officers are assigned to the Marine Division full-time from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
“These officers patrol Long Island Sound and the Saugatuck River, enforcing marine laws, shellfish regulations, and conducting safety inspections on hundreds of pleasure craft each season.
“In 2013 a jet ski was added to the Marine Division and is used for shellfish enforcement and special events.
“Usually, Marine One, a 2014 33′ NAID, is kept in the water 365 days a year in mission-ready shape, and can be en route to any marine-related emergency within minutes.”
Westport Police Marine Division, at work. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
The Marine Division was part of the dramatic rescue of 29 Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers and coaches last March.
They did not have any job nearly as difficult this summer.
But that didn’t mean they weren’t busy.
We seldom hear about all the great things they do. They make rescues when they have to, and spend the rest of their time preventing the need to do so.
Thanks, WPD Marine Division, for yet another successful summer. You are our very Unsung Heroes!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
When I was a lifeguard at Campo in the summer of ‘65 I had to swim out and warn a friend who was skin diving for some kind of fresh seafood about a Large Shark in the area. The police boat arrived about the same time my rescue board did and hauled my buddy aboard. They all wished me good luck as I paddled away to shore!
The Marine Division is awesome! We are lucky to have such competent officers dedicated to providing so many services as it relates to safety and education regarding our local waters.
As a member of the Westport Shellfish Commission, I have had the pleasure of interacting with them on a regular basis and every officer is exceptional! They well deserve this acknowledgement.