Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Kootenai, No boating accidents, summer 2022


Sheriff, Commissioners Tout Record Safe Season on Water

Kootenai County, Idaho:  Sheriff Robert Norris, Commissioners Bill Brooks, Leslie Duncan and Chris Fillios acknowledged the KCSO Marine Team on Thursday for ensuring one of the safest seasons on record. The traditional summer season starts Memorial Day weekend and ends with the Labor Day holiday. Kootenai County waterways are the busiest in the state.  There were no vessel related critical injuries or major vessel on vessel incidents. Sheriff Norris stated that the Marine Team Deputies did an outstanding job this year and their approach to the waterways, through education and enforcement, was directly responsible for keeping the waterways safe. Sheriff Norris stated, “I am extremely proud of this Marine Team, and the organization, as many deputies came from different assignments to create this year’s team.” Commissioner Fillios said, “As Chairman of the Board, I wish to personally thank our Marine Deputies for a safe boating season, especially in light of our rapidly growing boating population.”

The Sheriff’s Office was only able to hire six seasonal deputies this year, however Sheriff Norris authorized four full-time employees from other units within the organization to assist during the summer. Personnel from Patrol, Jail and Animal Control were temporarily re-assigned to the Marine Division. Sheriff Norris stated, “This was a team effort and every member of the organization stepped up to fill the temporary void.”  

The Kootenai County Waterways consist of 18 lakes and 54 miles of navigable river. Approximately 460 citations were issued, including 53 for Operating a Vessel Under the Influence and 70 for negligent operations. Over 6000 warnings were issued to boaters for various violations.

The Sheriff’s Office will be accepting marine applications beginning October 3, 2022, for the 2023 season.  Please e-mail marine@kcgov.us for questions. The job announcement will be located at www.kcgov.us

Sheriff Robert B. Norris
By Sergeant Ryan Miller

Contact: Sergeant Ryan Miller
Office: 208-446-1361
sopio@kcgov.us

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