Sheriff John D. Idleburg is proud to announce the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will resume patrolling Lake Michigan waters located in Lake County.
Lake County contains over 900 square miles of Lake Michigan water. Since 2018, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been unable to patrol these waters due to an outdated watercraft being retired because of multiple mechanical and safety issues. Earlier this year, the Lake County Board approved the replacement of the watercraft retired in 2018.
The sheriff’s office received delivery in Spring 2024 of a new Fluid Watercraft Inflatable Patrol Boat. The boat has two 225 horsepower engines and can carry 14 passengers.
Sheriff Idleburg commissioned the new watercraft, and it has been operational by Marine Unit Deputies since the onset of the 2024 boating season. The Marine Unit is conducting patrols of Lake Michigan and will be capable of responding to emergencies within Lake County’s nautical boundaries.
Through an ongoing partnership with the United States Coast Guard and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, the sheriff’s office will coordinate patrols with both agencies. Members of the Coast Guard and/or Conservation Police will have the ability to respond with the Sheriff’s Marine Unit to emergencies on the new watercraft. The new watercraft will be operated by sheriff’s personnel who possess a Coast Guard Captain’s License.
The new boat is named in memory of fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Gary D. Murphy, who was killed in the line of duty in June of 1976.
When not in use, the watercraft is stored in a secure dock at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, thanks to a generous in-kind contribution.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Adding a sheriff’s office watercraft on Lake Michigan is very significant. Response time in an emergency is crucial, and having a sheriff’s boat available will increase the likelihood of lives saved during search and rescue missions. We are grateful for our partnership with North Point Marina and thankful for their assistance in allowing us space to dock our boat.”
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