Bonneville deputy named marine law enforcement officer of the year

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Vasquez has been named 2017 Marine Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Vasquez was honored by the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department for his role in various incidents in which he handled watercraft response and coordination with other area first-responders and emergency agencies. Vasquez also promoted and educated the public on boating safety and boat inspections on Bonneville County waterways. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Vasquez began his career in law enforcement with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office in 2004. In 2016 Vasquez passed all the requirements of the Idaho Marine Law Enforcement Academy. He has been a key partner with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in the installation and monitoring of several life jacket loaner stations. Vasquez has also been a long time member of the Bonneville County Dive/Rescue Team as a diver, swift water and ice rescue instructor, and also serves on the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Honor Guard.