POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie Police now have a boat for use on the Hudson River. The 25-foot vessel, called “Marine 2” is one of the newest law enforcement tools in the department’s inventory.
On Wednesday, Officers Kevin Van Wagner and Mike Braren were using the boat to search for a person who jumped off of the Mid-Hudson Bridge at approximately 4:30 that morning. Marine 2 was part of a coordinated search that included the US Coast Guard Cutter Hawser, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Enforcers 1 and 2, and Poughkeepsie Fire Department Marine 1.
Marine 2 is a 2008 Proline Center Console boat that came to the city at no cost to taxpayers. It was acquired under the “Vessel Loan Program” administered through the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Marine Services division. The vessel is also maintained by the state.
The city has established a Marine Unit that consists of six police officers who have completed Marine Service and Vessel Operation training conducted by the state.
Officer Van Wagner on left and Braren on right
“Our marine unit serves as a tool to achieve our law enforcement objectives that occur on the Hudson River within reach of our city,” said Police Captain Rich Wilson. “The growing popularity of water sports and recreation has drawn additional boats and people which has led to the PD increasing its marine capacity.”
