The Hampden County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, both on land and water. In response to several tragedies on local waterways, Sheriff Nick Cocchi established the Marine Patrol Unit in July 2021 to enhance public safety throughout Western Massachusetts.
Mission and Responsibilities
The Marine Patrol Unit's primary mission is to promote safe boating practices and deter reckless behavior on our waterways. By collaborating with the Connecticut River Task Force and local police departments, including those in Chicopee and Southwick, the unit works to prevent incidents before they occur, ensuring enjoyable and secure experiences for all water enthusiasts.
Key responsibilities of the unit include:
- Safety Patrols: Regular monitoring during peak times, such as weekends and holidays, to enforce boating laws and provide assistance as needed.
- Search and Rescue Operations: Responding to emergencies, including searches for missing swimmers and rescue efforts.
- Community Engagement: Educating the public on water safety and collaborating with local agencies to address concerns.
Equipment and Training
The unit operates three specialized patrol boats. Funding for these vessels was secured through the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Fund, utilizing money seized from drug-related offenses, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.
The unit comprises ten deputy sheriffs who have undergone rigorous training in marine law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and emergency response. Each member is certified in life-saving techniques and equipped to handle various situations on the water.
Collaborative Efforts
Recognizing the importance of a unified approach to water safety, the Marine Patrol Unit collaborates closely with local harbormasters, police marine units, and other law enforcement agencies. Joint training exercises and coordinated patrols ensure a cohesive strategy in maintaining the safety of our waterways. The Marine Patrol Unit also plays a part on the Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team.
The Western Region Dive Team consists of divers from HCSO, Agawam Fire Department, Westfield Fire Department and Police Department, Easthampton Fire Department, Northampton Fire Department, Granby Fire Department, and South Hadley Fire Department. The Team works closely with its dive partners from the Massachusetts State Police, ensuring we're ready to respond swiftly to emergencies across Western Massachusetts.
Community Impact
Since its inception, the Marine Patrol Unit has played a vital role in enhancing the safety of Hampden County's waterways. Their presence serves as a deterrent to unsafe practices and provides reassurance to residents and visitors alike. Sheriff Cocchi emphasizes the unit's proactive approach: "What we are trying to do with our Marine Patrol Unit is not be the responding mechanism to the incident. We want to avoid the incident."
Since launching in 2021, the Marine Patrol Unit has saved lives, deterred wreckless behavior and assisted in recovery operations following drownings on area waterways.