Commissioners to consider watercraft purchase for WWCSO
By Dan Thesman on Monday, June 10th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners meet today (Monday) at 1:15 p.m. and will consider a proposal from Chief Deputy Richard Schram to purchase two personal water craft and a new trailer for the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office.
Schram is the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office instructor for the Washington State Parks’ boating program. Recently, Schram was approached by the state with the idea of a new partnership. Washington State Parks offered to purchase two personal watercraft and a trailer for the sheriff’s office in exchange for Schram bringing them to the basic marine law enforcement academies to help teach students.
According to Schram’s proposal to the board of commissioners, several times over the last few years, the sheriff’s office could have use a pair of personal watercraft for major investigations, search and rescue missions, public engagement, and patrols. He adds this type of watercraft allows deputies to access areas of the county’s river systems larger vessels cannot access.
The purchase prices of the two personal watercraft and their trailer is $48,722.04. Schram is requesting approval to access funds budgeted for salaries and benefits to purchase these tools. Washington State Parks has committed to complete reimbursement of these funds within 30 days of receipt of proof of purchase.
