| Skokomish Get New
River Patrol Boats
Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement manages 300
miles of saltwater shoreline and 40 miles of navigable rivers. The only
vessel available for law enforcement of these waters was a very small,
under-powered boat, which was shared with other tribal departments. This
made it unavailable for numerous emergencies in the past. In these
instances, the sheriff's office would need to be contacted, and
hopefully they would be available, but there was no guarantee they would
be able to respond.
Through the Community
Facilities grant program, USDA Rural Development assisted with the
funding of Saltwater and River Patrol Boats for the Skokomish Tribe.
Rural Development provided approximately 42 percent of the funds needed
to acquire and equip these vessels. The patrol boats are sufficient in
size to make rescue efforts safe for the officers and the victims. There
is also plenty of room to put confiscated nets and other illegal items.
These boats have
proven to be extremely beneficial in responding to water related
emergencies. One such emergency occurred in August of 2004. While the
Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement was patrolling the waters, they noticed
a woman on a boat waving frantically. As they approached, they noticed
two other persons in the water next to the boat. One of the people in
the water had dislocated their shoulder while riding an inner-tube
pulled by the boat. The other person was trying to help him stay afloat,
as he was unable to get back into the boat. Sergeant Norton and Officer
Digrigoli of the Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement and the woman in the
water helped the injured man into the patrol boat. Once both swimmers
were secure in the boat, Sergeant Norton radioed dispatch of the rescue
in progress.
Skokomish Tribal Law
Enforcement is better able to respond to the needs of the members of the
local community and visitors due to the purchase of these patrol boats.
The response time has improved dramatically. USDA Rural Development
through the Essential Community Facilities grant program played a big
role in improving the safety and welfare of this rural community.
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Complaints of Discrimination should be sent to:
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EEO/CR Statement
Last modified:
February 22, 2006
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