LAKE PATROL

• Maintaining the safety of individuals
• Providing general public assistance
• Enforcing city and state ordinances
• Ensuring the protection of privately and city owned property

Although Stillwater owns several park and lake facilities, two of Officer Barnes' major concerns as the Lake Patrol Officer are Lake McMurtry and Boomer Lake.

Lake McMurtry, located seven miles NW of Stillwater, is comprised of approximately 1200 surface acres of water, surrounded by a land mass of approximately 3000 acres. Lake McMurtry offers hiking, camping, picnicking, bike riding, fishing, and several other family oriented activities on a year-round basis.

Lake McMurtry is managed by a lake ranger and Parks and Recreation employees during business hours throughout the week. Therefore, Officer Barnes not only provides additional supervision and security at these times, but also becomes the primary patrol after hours, on weekends, and particularly during peak use.

Boomer Lake, located in the north-central portion of Stillwater, is a small lake surrounded by approximately 100 acres of land. Along with providing running and bicycle paths, picnic facilities, and boating and fishing, Boomer Lake also provides the setting for any number of special events, including the annual 4^th of July celebration, the "Boomer Blast."

Since Boomer Lake is situated within Stillwater's city limits, this area is regularly monitored by officers from the Patrol Division who are assigned to patrol that particular area of the city. Officer Barness, therefore, also enhances the routine patrol afforded this facility.

In order for a Police Officer to be considered for the Lake Patrol position, should the opportunity arise, he or she must have at least 18 months of experience with the department and submit a letter of request. SPD administrators then review all submissions upon receipt and ultimately determine the assignment.

Currently, Officer Barnes' assigned patrol vehicle is a 2005 Ford Expedition, which contains the standard emergency response equipment and radios as are found in SPD's other marked police cars. Unique to the Lake Patrol vehicle, however, is some of the equipment which might be utilized in performing rescues, on, in, or around water, or in isolated areas: life vests, buoys, surf boards, and an air compressor.

The Lake Patrol Officer often encounters unique challenges in a variety of situations. Yet with a broad base of experience, combined with a serious commitment and concerned attitude for anyone who partakes of Stillwater's parks and lake facilities, SPD's Lake Patrol Officer ensures a safe and secure environment, available for everyone's enjoyment.