The Odessa Record -

Sheriff Wade Magers introduces Marine 1 to our marine fleet. We were fortunate enough to acquire a new 23-foot vessel made by Life Proof Boat. Our current 1994 19-foot Almar was in tough shape and was needing to be replaced. The old vessel simply was not a great patrol boat and the old two-stroke outboard was beginning to fail.

We partnered with WA State Parks, which is responsible for marine budgets and grant opportunities associated with marine programs throughout the state. As a result of a lot of work and effort by many, we were awarded substantial grant funding and with our current marine budget, which is also grant funded, we purchased this new vessel.

The total grant was just over $86,000. The 23-foot Life Proof Boat is powered with an Evinrude outboard motor which puts out over 250 horsepower. The new Sheriff's vessel will allow our marine unit deputies to patrol Lake Roosevelt and our interior lakes much more efficiently and safely. The platform will allow us to work safely and effectively as the vessel is built to be very stable.

We are responsible for over 175 miles of shoreline on Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane River. The Sheriff is responsible for search and rescue and investigations involving accidents/collisions and related boating incidents that occur on our waterways.

Expect to see the new Marine 1 on the river this summer and remember all your safety gear. Please wear your life vests when operating your vessels this summer. Be safe and boat responsibly.