COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Marine Patrol now has 11 deputies with the addition of Ronald Sprowls and Steve Houk.
They recently attended a week of training at the Marine Training Academy held at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Sprowls and Houk spent time learning defensive tactics (Jiu-Jitsu), drown proofing and water rescue, and much more to help keep Branch County residents safe on the water this summer.
A total of 68 members from different law enforcement agencies throughout the state attended the training.
The Marine Patrol members are fully deputized and empowered to make arrests for drunk driving, reckless driving, and operating under the influence of drugs.
Deputies are also charged with enforcing the marine navigation laws.
The Marine Patrol Deputies help lead boater safety classes in Branch County.
To register for an upcoming boater safety course, go to CountyofBranch.com/Sheriff and click on Boater Safety Classes.
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