Stafford Police "Launch" Marine Police Unit
Stafford Township Police Department Marine Unit “Maiden Voyage”!
We are thrilled to announce the establishment of our new Marine Unit! Leading the charge is a fully outfitted, decommissioned 24ft Coast Guard vessel, which now serves as the main boat in our fleet. This boat is primarily for search, rescue, emergency response, and safety, ensuring that our community stays protected on the water. Today marked the Maiden Voyage Ceremony at The Boatyard.
Stafford Township boasts an impressive 8+ square miles of the beautiful Barnegat Bay. With such a vast area under our watch, the presence of our Marine Unit is crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of all who enjoy these waters.
The Beach Haven West section of town, connected by an intricate web of canals, is one of the largest waterfront communities in the state of New Jersey. This unique feature of our town further underscores the necessity of a dedicated Marine Unit to effectively manage and respond to the needs of our residents and visitors.
You may be wondering why we need a Marine Unit when there is the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit and United States Coast Guard. While they do a fantastic job, at times during peak summer days, resources can be limited and call times may be longer than expected. Our Marine Unit will provide additional support, ensuring quicker response times and enhanced coverage. All operators in the Marine Unit possess, at a minimum, an NJ Boating Safety Certificate and have completed the NJSP Marine Division Maritime Law Enforcement week-long training course. Additionally, several operators hold Master Captain's licenses, ensuring a high level of expertise and readiness to handle any situation that arises.
It is the policy of the Stafford Township Police Department to deploy a marine patrol boat seasonally, staffing and weather permitting, on the waterways belonging to and adjacent to the Township of Stafford. Our dedicated officers assigned to marine patrol will:
• Conduct emergency search and rescue operations to promptly assist those in need.
• Respond to emergencies on the water or in areas only accessible by boat, ensuring rapid and effective assistance.
• Strive to promote a safe environment for boaters, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time on the water without unnecessary risks. This includes maintaining order and safety on our waterways by ensuring compliance with appropriate laws when necessary. Our goal is to foster a secure environment where everyone can enjoy the waterways responsibly.
• Enhance the department's community policing efforts by making personal contact with boaters and individuals residing or conducting business along the waterfront, fostering trust and cooperation.
You may have seen our boat out on the water over the past few weekends. We conducted several trial runs to ensure that all systems and equipment were functioning optimally. We appreciate the positive feedback and support from the community, and we have enjoyed seeing the encouraging posts and comments circulating on social media.
This boat was mainly funded by private donations and represents an extensive project to take a decommissioned vessel and restore it to seaworthiness. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the generous donors who made this possible, including:
• Stafford Township Police Foundation
• Viking Yachts
• CWR Electronics
• J3 Marina
• Shore Life Designs
• United States Coast Guard
• New Jersey State Police
• Varnbilt Motorsports
• Exit 74 Fab
• NJ Logowear
• Ian Gillen
• Ross Sew Shop
• Rhino Linings of Ocean County
• Bob's Square Deal
• The Boat Shop
Lastly, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the Mayor and Council for their support and dedication to enhancing the safety and quality of life in Stafford Township.
We are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all boaters and residents in Stafford Township. Whether you're out for a leisurely sail or conducting business along the waterfront, know that our Marine Unit is here to support and protect you.
Stay safe on the waters, and remember, we're always here to help!
#StaffordPD #MarineUnit #CommunitySafety #BarnegatBay
-July 16, 2024 ###
