Attorney and board member, Jim Ellis donated a Sea-Doo (sic) watercraft to the Louisville Metro Police Departments’ River Patrol. The ski is for use during special events and general patrol duties along the Ohio River. It will provide an extra level of safety when in use at these events and give the officers an opportunity to become accustomed to handling the small watercraft.
The size and maneuverability of the personal watercraft will give rescuers easier access to more remote areas or places inaccessible to larger boats. The Sea-Doo does not have a propeller, which makes it safer to use during rescue procedures. The ski operator will not have to be concerned with someone getting hit and cut by a blade on the ski.
Officers will also use the craft to help with calls in Beargrass Creek, which is a nearby waterway. The ski will not be placed into actual patrol use immediately explained Sargent Jeff Artman.
“We’re not going to use it for basic patrol right now,” Sgt. Jeff Artman said. “We’ll use it for mostly special events like the Mayor’s hike bike and paddle and other events, the Iron Man and triathlons, things like that.”
All in all, having a personal watercraft designated for use within the Louisville Metro Police Department is a great step in moving forward to assist with water related incidents and safety on the river. This should lead to a bigger and better river patrol along the Louisville district of the Ohio River.
