(Press Release)
New Patrol Boat For The Sheriff’s Office
On Monday July 23, 2012 the Mono County Sheriff’s Office took possession of their newest patrol boat. The boat, which was designed and built by Rogue Jet Boatworks, is a 22’ Aluminum Jet designed specifically for our Office with Law Enforcement purposes in mind. This new boat will replace an older patrol boat that was taken out of service this past year. The new boat was purchased with grant funds from the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Office maintains a fleet of three patrol boats which monitor and patrol the lakes and waterways of Mono County. In doing so, our Office hopes that everyone safely enjoys the opportunities Mono County’s waterways provide.
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Just to mention here–It was local divers and not a team from Nevada on the incident in Topaz Wayne wrote about. The SAR team does work in swift water and has that equipment as well.There are many people from different walks of life here including those volunteering and in uniform consistently working together for the benefit of others. Be safe, sensible and enjoy our home!
Fish dude… your first sentence is untrue. (in fact, most of what you say is questionable)
I’ve witnessed the officer’s drive their boats just fine. How do they “cut lines” in a jet boat? They have no propeller. And where would they use the boat in winter time?
“they eat donuts very well and walk around w/ their tiny chest all puffed-out! I kinda don’t like them…can you tell???”
… it’s obvious you are not slanted in your objective opinion.
The animosity in the comments related to this article and purchase of this new patrol boat are pretty sad (in my opinion). Thank God it’s only a tiny minority of you that feel so poorly about the new patrol boat and the MCSD in general. Hope you all stay off the lakes or never need assistance!
I agree…not one of us ever wakes up in the morning knowing if we will be in an emergency situation that day. We may or may not be prepared. I feel safer knowing that there are people on my side, with good equipment, that can help if I ever need it. Also, with the deputies patrolling the lakes and watching out for our safety lots of emergency situations are avoided. They are there to remind you that you need to have a life jacket on a small child before that child ever falls in the water.
Bill… You are either married to a MCSO officer, are one yourself, completely out of touch with reality and/or all of the above. Their boats older probably got into their condition because no one knows how to operate those boats.. They hit other private boats, cut lines and I have seen them race right by stranded boaters…Now they have a new one and all I can say is if you own a boat..Watch out if they are on the lake.. Safety? Rescue? Joke.. Even in the winter there are many documented failures on their part to find missing persons….Look it up!!! Their dysfunction within the ranks is well documented, should be more exposed in the press and starts at the top with your Sheriff…The MCSO is useless in all they do except for spending our money…Oh yea .. they eat donuts very well and walk around w/ their tiny chest all puffed-out! I kinda don’t like them…can you tell???
Fifty posts! A whole lot of divergent views. Now if I were the Sheriff of Mono County, that would be the greatest concern. I’m not one to cut the Sheriff any slack or prop him or her up ,I don’t even know ’em. People’ s reaction to this new expense has a lot to do with their respect for the Officers and the job that they do either poorly or well and not much else .I say that the expense of the boat is an investment into a better world. If the boat is used only once to save a life of someone’s loved one and the Deputy is the hero what can anyone say negative to that. We all want to be self reliant ,not bothered or threatened by anyone but are we ready to be that hero. Emergency situations are always a possibility and like the old scout I try to be, I remember to “Be Prepared”. Being an old lifeguard, I never turn my back to the water and being an old Life guard I have always counted on someone backing me up. The dollars were spent in Oregon not China . Some of those dollars will make their way back to the Eastern Sierra. Don’t forget the happy campers . Keep em safe so that they’ll have fish stories ,wonderous adventures and many journeys back to this place we all love.
Mono County Undersheriff Ralph Obenberger said this about the new patrol boat:
“The boat was paid for by a grant we obtained from the calif dept of boating and waterways. The grant was for appr. 65,000.
Boating and waterways is funded by fees that come from registration fees along with taxes on personal watercraft.
This boat along with the others will patrol all lakes and waterways in the county.”
They should have bought two of them.
what a great deal for the Taxpayers of this state.
NOT
To Undersheriff Ralph Obenberger -please tell me why you needed 3 boats?
Total waste of 70k, especially when it spends most of the time sitting on a trailer.
It looks like that the boat cost $69,931.46
Below is a link to the AGENDA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF MONO October 18,2011 meeting.
http://www.monocounty.ca.gov/departments/supervisors/documents/10Oct182011AgendaONLY.pdf
“Sheriff’s Department Boating and Waterways Equipment Grant Application – The
Mono County Sheriff’s Department is applying for an equipment grant from the California
Department of Boating and Waterways for the Mono County Boating Safety and
Enforcement Program.
Recommended Action: Authorize the Sheriff’s Department to participate in the
equipment grant application for the purchase of a new patrol boat and other boating
equipment. Authorize the Board of Supervisors to sign the contract via Minute Order with
the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Authorize Sheriff Richard C. Scholl
to sign the contract and all reimbursement forms for said contract.
Fiscal Impact: The grant amount of $69,931.46 will cover the cost of the new vessel and
the additional equipment that is needed and will have no impact on the general fund.”
There are a lot of good questions in this string of comments. Most of the answers are found in the link below.
The Money comes from Boating Law Enforcement Grant Program
Local governmental agencies may apply for grants to purchase boats, equipment, dive gear, etc.
How is the Program Funded?
The monies to support this program are funded through the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. Mono County Sheriff’s Department gets $131,065
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Funding/subvention.aspx#Funded
We are living in historical times and consume natural resources at unprecedented levels! Somebody show me a person at the top on any level who really cares about the deficit we are leaving behind, when our current actions reflect that we need to have the best of the best every other year, whether it will have a good impact or not.
They will always have ways to our money to contribute to the corrupt system we call our democracy.
O.K. Wayne- I’ll say i was wrong when they need all three boats at once, for anything but handing out tickets.
Trouble…Don’t know what your saying….In the case of swift-water rescue or recovery,doubt this kind,or anykind of boat would do much good.In the mid-summer,the east Walker can really be rushing….way to fast to be using anytype of boat in it for much of anything.
Wayne good luck putting a boat one Walker River. I can’t keep my bait on the bottom.
Wayne- sorry about my last comment to you. I must have been half asleep when I wrote that one. I’m glad I didn’t use my real name on on that one 🙂
They do not need more boats.
Can’t help but think maybe Mono County should also look into spending,or receiving some type of grant,however that works,with swift-water rescue or recovery training and the necessary equipment needed when the need arises.I can remember last year when the man drove into Topaz Lake,and Law Enforcement had to wait on a team coming from Nevada to make the recovery…and on a larger scale,the incident back in the late 80’s when the tour bus lost control on HWY. 395,and ended up in the Walker River. The tour bus accident claimed over 20 lives,and can’t help but think of the chaos that must have been at attempting rescues and saving lives.
CL- they now have four boats sitting on trails in front of their stations. Don”t hold your breath for to long.
You’re tired of hearing all the things our public servants do? Wow, just wow.
CL- your right about one thing, “cops don’t need new cars because the old ones are good enough”. I don’t need a life jacket because I can swim, I don’t need a tow, because I can paddle and I don’t need police asking me if I’ve been drinking while on on vacation.
CL is right. How many people out there are using worn out or cobbled together equipment to get around or doing a function or work where the equipment could make a difference between life and death to someone?
The funds supporting buying it were spent in an appropriate manor. It is easy to write here… that you.. would never need any of the services those using that boat might render however there are plenty of locals and visitors alike who could end up being thankful it was there if that time of need came.
I think .. the sentiment is most against the heavy handed and seemingly increasing presence of law enforcement. Sure they can render needed services and they do. It can be that they can save a life or make a difference.
But one comment stands out in the in all of the comments against this new acquisition.
“I don’t need police asking me if I’ve been drinking while on on vacation.”
This is the feeling of sentiment against this, that brings so much animosity to subjects such as this. As is the case with recent stories bringing to light, the possibility of corruption in in the ranks of Mono County’s Sheriff office. It’s one thing for LEO’s to make a difference in things such as boating safety, but it’s another when they seem to go out of their way to ruin your recreation time by fishing for things make a bust.
It seems so much now days that law enforcement wants to make arrests more than admonish with lesser offenses. I guess I can’t blame them, they have to put up with more and more crap as we all do. Their job is to protect and serve, not arrest and seize. That is metaphorically speaking of course, but, the latter is what seems to be the norm.
CL- I’m just getting tired of hearing about all the things our public servants are doing and spending in the name of public service. Hell in New York it’s a crime to enjoy a big gulp.
Trouble, you are clueless at best. As I said before, any one of us can claim to be the greatest, smartest, most awesome citizen ever, but what happens when a drunk boat driver nails a kid on an inner tube and they’re wearing no life jacket. and no one patrols the waterways.
CL- sounds like you can’t swim on your own. May I suggest some float’s.
Love to see anyone one of you doubters and haters jump from a boat on Crowley Lake w/o a P.F.D. around noon when the south wind picks up… and make it to shore, alive.
Jump in to save someone? Done it Bill, although not on Crowley. More than once. River rapids, ocean riptide. You?
Sorry to burst your pat little bubble but many of us who get out into the wilderness also question government profligacy. By the way, grant money is not fairy dust. It is tax money. The fact that it’s grant money means nothing more than it comes from a pot of taxpayer dough not directly controlled by Mono County.
You’ve personally disparaged those with whom you disagree as “haters” numerous times. I have never returned the spite. It might possibly be because those standing on firmer ground see less need for personal attack.
LOL Tourbillon now I feel like I’m at a alanon type meeting for doubters and haters.
Seriously though .. you’re right.
The boat replaced an incredibly unreliable, problematic boat. These boats are not just for tickets. They enforce life jacket wearing, do towing of broken down vessels and enforce DUI. all things that make your day on the lake safe for you and your family. You might be the greatest, upstanding citizen this nation has ever seen, but guess what, not everyone is and that’s why programs like this are in place. This is like saying cops don’t need new patrol cars because the old ones are good enough.
I cannot believe how bitter many of you are about ANY public funds spending. All you haters must live under a rock to think you don’t need any of the services that taxes pay for.
Have you ever been out on Crowley Lake when the wind kicks up? I spend many hours out there and have seen it many times where it can be life threatening to boats, float tubers, etc if they stall, cant start, get over come by waves etc… to all that do not see any value in the Sheriff Patrol Boat – you don’t even have a clue.
Bill, you are living under a rock if skepticism regarding public spending surprises you. It is the inevitable outcome of government being so recklessly profligate. For far too long, government has been unaccountable for anything it spends. It is natural and healthy for it to start to get called on the carpet for EVERY dime it spends. I would get used to this if I were you.
Why don’t you publish figures showing how many of those Crowley Lake boaters had their lives saved by one of these boats? Do you have any – or just speculative anecdotes derived from those “hours” you spend there? Don’t you think maybe a little modest explanation of the need, backed up by figures, might be more persuasive than hurling around pejoratives?
“For far too long, government has been unaccountable for anything it spends. It is natural and healthy for it to start to get called on the carpet for EVERY dime it spends.”
Tour, I would totally agree with this comment… a great example would be the Trillions of Federal dollars we have spent to date on two unfunded wars beginning with the pursuit of WMD that didn’t exist in Iraq. This sort of mismanagement proliferates exponentially all the way down to the local government level. For sure it does.
Our government structure is set up w/ checks and balances – thank you fiscal conservatives for questioning budgetary expenditures!
However, to be bitter and spiteful every time there a dollar spent, for the greater good of public safety and services… it’s just petty and tiring. And that is a trend I see on this public forum, Sierra Wave.
Those of you (upthecreek, Tour etc) who constantly just knee jerk bash tax dollars being spent — Get elected by your peers and local citizens and CHANGE it. Go ahead, insure accountability by being in the position to do so. In the meantime, the rest of us will continue to vote and trust our local leaders to make good decisions based on needs, budgets, etc…(LOL, even though history of ToML leadership is reason enough to be VERY wary!!!)
As far as “publishing figures showing how many of those Crowley Lake boaters had their lives saved by one of these boats?” … Seriously?? I have much better things to do w/ my time.
Look, I’m confident I spend enough time on our local waters to see the benefits of the Sheriff patrol boat. Gary and the other LEO’s do a lot of good work not too mention our region has A LOT of lakes and waterways wherein thousands of visitors, locals, tourists recreate. The sheer volume of water recreation and number of marinas and lakes adds to a disproportionate potential for water related accidents!!
I have personally been involved, witnessed, etc, a few life threatening situations on the lake over the many years, and thousands of hours I have been out there. I know countless people needing to be towed in, were stranded, or otherwise required assistance. Not too mention, enforcement of basic safety and vessel registration requirements.
Agree to disagree? I’m done trying to convince you. Congrats Mono Sheriff Dept in getting the GRANT $$ to buy a new boat for the future safety of water recreation in our County.
I highly doubt Bill has those numbers just laying around but I know the Sheriff has posted on here before and could probably provide us all with that data. It’s public information that anyone is entitled to review. Just gotta ask…
GOVERNMENT doesnt have a revenue problem it has a SPENDING PROBLEM,
PEOPLE/TAX PAYERS WILL WAKE UP ONE DAY AND FIGURE IT OUT ,,,UNLESS YOU WORK AS A PUBLIC SERVANT ..
GGW
That’s not exactly it Bill. Us taxpayers are starting to question the value we get for our tax dollar. You act like money is no object just because it’s a first responder vehicle.
Whom ever wrote the article should have posted how much the boat cost.
Of course we need the services provided, but I question if those services can be provided for less then we’re spending. We just want to be assured we’re getting the best value for our tax dollars.
How much was the boat?
Mark said, “You act like money is no object just because it’s a first responder vehicle.”
That is not at all what I am saying. I’m simply supporting the decision that the Sheriff was able to secure a GRANT to pay for it!!
“We just want to be assured we’re getting the best value for our tax dollars.”
By “our” do you mean local tax dollars? The boat was paid for by a GRANT. Yeah, of course the money came from somewhere… maybe Bennett can provide more details about this purchase or Grant funded purchase. So the rest of you don’t feel that a penny was stolen from your sidewalk.
I guess I see the value – and I trust the officials who oversaw this purchase, received the grant, and bought the new boat, saw the value, also.
God why are we so full angst and fervor over every detail of a GRANT funded vehicle for emergency service and law enforcement? This is wasted, misdirected energy that should be channeled elsewhere.
Well said CL…
The Sheriff patrol boat does a lot good, making our lakes safer for those who actually get out there to enjoy them, as opposed the people who sit at home stewing about taxes, and government spending, and public servants…
I want that job, and that boat. What a great way to chase tourists away, and waste tax money at the same time. Completely unbelievable.
Odd. I’ve never been chased away by the Sheriff’s or any law enforcement in Mono County. I have, however, been chased away by poor customer service at stores and restaurants.
You got that right scooby. I’ve heard one of our local law enforcement guys has a new charger. Must be nice.
CHARGER…
wait till you see what he gets after he retires at 52
GGW
A battery charger Trouble?
No, phone cell!
It cost 10 thousand more fish I could have caught. One stringer.
A grant is still the taxpayers money. What was wrong with the old patrol boat. Not cool enough?
Should have put more fish in the lakes.
A “fleet” of three boats – for the landlocked Mono County Sheriff? Er, Mono County Admiral? To fight all that notorious water-based crime on June Lake or something? Don’t know where the grant money came from – but sure know where it got wasted. I mean, it’s not like anyone speeding around our little lakes has anywhere to go. Ever thought of saving the cash by responsibly turning it down and just waiting on the dock a few minutes until they land?
Now everyone scratch your head and wonder how in the heck the country, the state, and the town all became dead broke.
LOL I hear ya Tourbillon, but now that they spent the tax payers money on a new boat to the fleet, they can go out and make a lot of money for the tax payers of Mono County. Might just pay for itself … oh wait, it was free to the county. A win win situation.
They can use the boat to “go out and make a lot of money”? You have a curious notion of the purpose and role of government, my friend.
Well think about it Tourbillon, when ever they write a ticket, a fine is involved right? Well pretty much every time.
You were observed going a little fast out on the lake, but I can’t determine how fast, but:
You don’t have a life vest on .. fine$,
No one else in the boat has a life vest on .. fine$
Have you been drinking? are there any illegal substances on board? .. fine$ And end of the vacation.
You don’t have a seat belt on … fine$,
But then also I see you:
You don’t have your dog tethered in the back of your pick up .. fine$
Have you been drinking? do you have any illegal substances in the vehicle, any weapons? … fine? And end of the vacation.
just figurative examples, I’m not sure it is required now days that you have a life vest on, I’m thinking it must be a law now. but in both of these scenarios, is how a lot of the officers seem to approach, asking questions about other things possibly in possession … fishing for something or added items to add to the list of fines.
big al
the only thing they want to make extra money for are their huge PENSIONS
C’mon upthecreek that record has been broken a long time ago.
nothing but the best …..
Grant or not, someone forgot to ask how much $$
How much $$ is a good question. How much the boat cost , how much was spent on a well made in the USA product and how much does it cost to give our cops , ie public servants (Is that politically correct to call them servants?) a safe and reliable platform for the preservation of life and limb. How many dollars is a life worth these days?
Some of us,myself included, do not always enjoy the presence of others in our outdoor pursuits, especially cops in uniform. However there are those among us who would turn a blind eye to those in need, but hardly ever a cop or fireman. Hope you public servants like the new boat. Hope that if it is not perfect you’ll let Rouge Jet Boatworks know so that they can fine tune and continue to evolve their product, which I hope they have a interest in doing. Do you guys do ride alongs? It’s been a long time since I’ve done that. Oh yeah,We are Happy Campers now . It’s attitude food.
Yes, Phillip, It is ok to call them public servants. I did the job for 33 years and always considered myself a public servant. Still do.
a grant is just a fancy word for taxpayer funds