MADRAS, Ore. — The Oregon State Marine Board honored recently retired Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Dion Blake during its quarterly board meeting in Madras, recognizing more than 14 years of service dedicated in large part to marine patrol and boating safety.
Blake served on Lincoln County’s Marine Patrol, where he worked across a diverse range of waterways, from saltwater bays to narrow freshwater rivers. His expertise in boat handling and water operations quickly earned the respect of fellow marine officers and led to his role as a training instructor for the Marine Board’s Swift Water Rescue, Personal Watercraft, Drift, Jet and Marine Law Enforcement Academy programs.
His boating skills, extensive knowledge and calm demeanor also made him a mentor to many new marine officers.
Blake played a major role in developing Lincoln County’s proactive abandoned and derelict vessel program. Working with cadets and using emerging mobile electronic boat examination reporting technology, he regularly visited local marinas and the Port of Newport to identify and document vessels that could become problematic.
Through his efforts to locate and contact vessel owners, Blake helped strengthen relationships among boat owners, marinas and ports, preventing numerous boats from becoming derelict or unseaworthy.
His collaboration with the Port of Newport also helped lead to the seizure, removal, dismantling and disposal of numerous abandoned boats. The partnership he developed in Lincoln County eventually became a model for other sheriff’s offices across Oregon.
Blake said his commitment to public service extended beyond his official duties.
“I take the motto of ‘To protect and serve’ seriously,” Blake said. “Every day someone is in need, and sometimes something as small as a kind word or smile can help build connection.”
One of Blake’s favorite parts of his career was visiting elementary and middle schools and participating in community events focused on boating and water safety. He said those opportunities allowed him to share his knowledge while giving children and community members hands-on experiences with boats and safety demonstrations.
“It was so much fun sharing the boats, talking about safety aspects, and including active participation from the kids and members of the community in all of the demonstrations,” Blake said.
He added that seeing community members put what they learned into practice was among the most rewarding aspects of his career.
“Our community and the support they provided was such a gift,” Blake said. “There’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing people out in the community putting to practice what they learned from you.”
Blake’s commitment to marine safety also extended to the Marine Board itself. During a Marine Law Enforcement training, he approached Marine Board Chair Laura Jackson, who was participating in on-water scenarios, and asked, “What can I do to help you do your job on the Board?”
Jackson said she had heard from several current and former board members that Blake’s offer was sincere. The question led to discussions and a lasting professional camaraderie.
While presenting Blake with a Marine Board challenge coin, Jackson thanked him for his service and influence.
“Thank you, Dion, for your service to the boaters of Oregon and for inspiring me in my role as a Board member,” Jackson said. “What an example you’ve set for so many.”
The Oregon State Marine Board oversees recreational boating in Oregon and provides programs focused on boating safety, education, law enforcement and the management of Oregon’s waterways.
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