Witten Named Marine Patrol Officer Of The Year

[NCangler]

WITTEN NAMED MARINE PATROL OFFICER OF THE YEAR

MOREHEAD CITY - Carter Witten has been named 2004 Marine Patrol Officer of the Year by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. The award is given in recognition for overall outstanding conservation efforts and achievements.
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.

Witten began his career with Marine Patrol in 2001, as a field officer in Swan Quarter. Currently, his patrol area includes Carteret and Craven counties. He previously served on the Havelock Police Department.

"Carter Witten is an exceptional officer who is equally as effective educating school children about our coastal treasures as he is working on the water protecting our fisheries,” said Col. Joe Lynch, head of the Marine Patrol. "He has earned the respect and confidence of all who have worked with him."

Witten, along with his wife Joy and their son Taylor, resides in Carteret County and attends the Christ Church of New Bern. During his free time Carter enjoys scuba diving and hunting.

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MARINE PATROL ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES
MOREHEAD CITY - The North Carolina Marine Patrol, law enforcement branch of the state Division of Marine Fisheries, is pleased to announce the following new hires:

Jonathan Hall is a new field officer working in the Hatteras / Dare County area. He graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training in August of 2003. Prior to his employment with Marine Patrol, Hall worked as a police officer with Fremont Police Department.

Simon Sabella is a new field officer working in the Columbia / Tyrrell County area. He graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training in December 2004 and holds a BA Degree in Parks and Recreation Management. Prior to his employment with Marine Patrol, Sabella was employed with Tarheel Solid Surfaces.

The Marine Patrol has 59 sworn law enforcement officer positions along the coast and its jurisdiction includes all coastal waters extending to 3 miles offshore, and out to 200 miles offshore for some federally regulated species. Officers monitor 2.5 million acres of water and over 4,000 miles of coastline. Along with inspecting commercial and recreational boats, Marine Patrol officers also check seafood markets, fish dealers, restaurants, piers, beaches and vehicles carrying seafood.

For more information please contact Colonel Joe Lynch, N.C. Marine Patrol, by e-mail at joe.lynch@ncmail.net or by phone at 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.