May 19, 2013
Deputies will now be able to protect and serve the public on water as well as land. The Houston County Sheriff's Department has purchased a 20-foot boat with a 115 horsepower outboard motor. A state grant covered 90-percent of the cost.
Deputies were breaking in the new craft on Wednesday so it will be ready when needed. Several officers are being trained in how to handle the boat.
The Houston County Sheriff's Department has maintained a dive team for years to help search and rescue and the recovery of any evidence thrown in the water.
Sheriff Glover says the boat will also help supplement homeland security by allowing the departments special response team to patrol the Chattahoochee River around the Farley Nuclear Plant in the event of any threat.
Sheriff Glover says the department's new boat and dive team will provide mutual aid to surrounding law enforcement agencies on an as needed basis.
