Sheriff wants to expand marine patrol

By Terry Murry on Monday, June 27th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – The warm weather sees people heading for the water. It also sees the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, plagued by a staffing shortage, trying to get marine deputies out there was well.

Sheriff Terry Rowan says that recently a deputy completed special marine training, which is a help. Marine deputies patrol at the McKay Reservoir, Lake Wallula above McNary Dam, and the Umatilla Pool below the dam.

“They’re always looking for safe operation,” Rowan said of the officers. “You may not actually see our boats out in the water, but they are sitting at the launches making sure boats have all the necessary safety equipment.”

Funding for the marine program generally runs out in late September to early October. Rowan said he would like to see it operate all year.

“Even in January, in some of the coldest months, I’ve seen boats out on the water,” he said. “What I would like to eventually see is a full, year-round marine program that we can support with our deputies out on the water 365.”