Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: Feb. 25, 2008
Phone: (252) 726-7021

DAVID STEVENS NAMED MARINE PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR

MOREHEAD CITY – David Stevens has been named 2007 Marine Patrol Officer of the Year by the N.C. Wildlife Federation.
He was honored at the 64th Annual North Carolina Wildlife Federation meeting Saturday in Raleigh.

The award is given each year to recognize overall outstanding conservation efforts and achievements by a Marine Patrol officer.
“I can’t think of another more deserving officer than Officer David Stevens,” said Marine Patrol Col. Rex Lanier.

Stevens distinguished himself for this award, said Marine Patrol Sgt. Danny McDaniel, by always being available to assist fellow officers, even when he was not on duty. He also has always been willing to do his part to fill enforcement gaps left by position vacancies, McDaniel said.

With his vast knowledge of fisheries policies and regulations, Stevens has helped supervisors train new officers, McDaniel said, and he has used his computer skills to develop new forms and solve technical problems.

Stevens also enjoys an excellent reputation with the fishing community, McDaniel said.

“I have often received compliments from people in the field about his firm but fair enforcement ethic,” McDaniel said. “They know that they can count on him as a friend as well as an enforcement officer.”

Stevens has been with Marine Patrol since May 1996. He works in Brunswick County as a patrol officer.

He began his law enforcement career with the Richlands Police Department in 1992 then moved to the Jacksonville Police Department in 1993. Prior to his law enforcement career, Stevens served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Originally from Richlands, Stevens currently lives in Brunswick County with his wife Marilyn and his son Joshua.

He earned an Eagle Scout Award in 1986, and he remained active with the Boys Scouts of America as an adult, serving as a leader. He is also a Sunday school superintendent and youth director with his church.

Stevens can be contacted for an interview at (800) 248-4536. For a high-resolution photograph of Stevens, please visit http://www.ncdmf.net/news/releases/2008/feb2008.html.