Sheriff's office starts marine cadet program

The Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Department has started a Marine Patrol Cadet Program, Sheriff Mark Howie announced June 19.

Brook Calvert, a 2013 Wahkiakum High School graduate, is the program's first cadet. He is enlisting in the US Coast Guard and will serve in the marine patrol until he is called up for Coast Guard training, Howie said.

"We have not had an official Marine Patrol Cadet program as far I have heard," Howie said, "and it is something I am extending to other youths (ages 16-21) who want to learn basic boat skills and specifically related to law enforcement."

Cadets will learn everything from working the lines, tying knots, boat safety and motoring skills to boat inspections and marine rescue skills, Howie said.

"Most of what the cadets learn apply to any marine-related profession and certainly gives a person a leg up when competing for Coast Guard careers," Howie said. "Right now Brook spends four hours a week with Undersheriff Steve Marshall."

Persons interested in participating in the program should contact Howie at the sheriff's office.