The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department have launched a new river patrol. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
The sheriff’s office says it re-establishes a dedicated law enforcement presence on the Ohio River for the first time in more than 25 years for the office.
Officials say the patrol will cover about 36 miles of shoreline within Vanderburgh County, including the Port of Evansville, while also providing assistance to neighboring jurisdictions.
The patrol vessel, Riverwolf, is named after Charlie Wolfinger, a former Special Deputy who the sheriff’s office describes as a familiar and respected presence on the river in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The boat was partially funded through grant dollars made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security partners.
A grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources grant will cover overtime costs to staff the unit.
Officials say the vessel will maintain a consistent and visible presence during the boating season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
It will also be deployed during summer holidays, special events, and as needed for law enforcement operations.
