[Mobile, Ala.] Today, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) presented Meritorious Service Awards to Marine Patrol Troopers who played a critical role in the lifesaving efforts following the storm that capsized sailboats leaving 40 mariners in the Mobile Bay during the Dauphin Island Sailboat Regatta on April 25th.
"ALEA is charged with protecting the citizens of Alabama and these Troopers displayed true heroism as they immediately deployed boats, in the near hurricane force winds, rescuing dozens of mariners whose vessels had capsized,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said. “These Troopers, Scott Lee, Jason Strachan, Bill Carol, Jessie Peacock and Wade Fail, are all awarded the Meritorious Service Award for their actions during this event. Additionally, the Southern Division of the Marine Patrol, received a Meritorious Unit Commendation.”
From the initial notification of the incident, ALEA’s Marine Patrol played a vital role in search and rescue efforts. The Marine Patrol Troopers continued late into the night, and the following nine days, searching 9,500 square miles for the missing. Five of the six sailors reported missing were recovered.
Additionally, ALEA’s Aviation Unit was the first air unit on scene and members of ALEA’s Command Staff actively worked with and assisted in all facets of incident, at the Dauphin Island USCG Mobile Command Center.
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Fatality
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