Grants from the Higgins Lake Foundation and the Roscommon County Community Foundation provided funding for a marine patrol on Higgins Lake during the busy summer months of 2014.
With funding by Michigan DNR Federal Grant program and County matching funds cut considerably, there was a need for additional funds to continue coverage on Higgins Lake during the busy summer season.
The Roscommon County Sheriff Department operates a Marine Patrol consisting of certified police officers and part-time marine deputies. They are trained in report and ticket writing, boater safety instruction and inspection, trailer and boat handling skills, marine accident investigation, drowning victim recovery, sound suppression, identifying operators under the influence of intoxicants, personal floatation devices, central dispatch, radio traffic and self-defense.
The deputies interact with those they encounter in a professional manner and help to educate them in boater safety and their responsibility of maintaining the lakes as a resource that will provide enjoyment to all who use them.
RCCF provided $2,500 and HLF provided $5,138 for a total grant of $7,638. This funding covered expenses for Marine Officer Academy training, sound meter training, boat maintenance and boat fuel.