Marine Rescue section honored

The St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) Marine Rescue section received a special recognition by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) during the Tuesday Board of County Commissioners Meeting.

The Marine Rescue section was chosen for this recognition by the USCG as a result of several recent emergency events where both agencies worked together to achieve positive results in search and rescue missions in and around our coastline.

The following is an excerpt from the official certificate of merit presented to SJCFR Marine Rescue by Captain Andy Blomme US Coast Guard Commander, Jacksonville.

“The Commandant of the Coast Guard takes great pleasure in presenting the United States Coast Guard Certificate of Merit Award to Saint Johns County Fire Rescue Special Operations – Marine Rescue as a tribute for their substantial contributions to the Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) mission having produced tangible results and measurable improvements in SAR operations located within Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.

Responsible for 41 miles of coastline and 216 miles of inland waters made up of the St. Johns River and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the marine rescue units of St. Johns County have consistently responded to several marine emergencies exhibiting the highest level of professionalism and superior interagency cooperation. The St. Johns marine unit continues to provide superior public service through their rigorous and demanding marine rescue training program that has fostered the necessary and unified approach to the SAR mission.

The efforts of the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Special Operations – Marine Rescue unit are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.”