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JERRY FORBES NAMED MARINE PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR MOREHEAD CITY - Jerry Forbes has been named the North Carolina Wildlife Federation's 2001 Marine Patrol Officer of the Year. The award is given in recognition for overall outstanding conservation efforts and achievements in the state during the year.

Forbes, a seven-year Marine Patrol veteran, was recognized by his colleagues for outstanding work with the protection and conservation of our state's fisheries resources. He was presented the award in early February, at the Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet in Research Triangle Park.

The mission of the Marine Patrol is to ensure sustainable marine and estuarine fisheries for the benefit of the people of North Carolina. Their jurisdiction includes all coastal waters and extends to 3 miles offshore. Officers monitor 2.5 million acres of water and over 4,000 miles of coastline.

Forbes, 38, began his career with Marine Patrol in 1995, as a field officer. Currently, Forbes' patrol area includes Perquimans, Pasqutoank, Camden and Currituck counties. He is a graduate of East Carolina University with a four-year degree in Resource Management.

"Officer Forbes has earned the respect and confidence of all who have worked with him," said Col. Joe Lynch, head of the Marine Patrol. " His tireless dedication to the conservation of our fisheries and his willingness to help others, makes Officer Forbes an asset to law enforcement in North Carolina."

Forbes also does field training for new members of the Marine Patrol, ensuring that these new officers are given the guidance, knowledge and skills to do their job safely and effectively. He is a native of Camden County and a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, and is also a member of Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, the Turkey Federation and the National Rifle Association.

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