History

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol. Even at its inception, the hallmark of the Water Patrol is volunteerism.

In 1955, there were 18 water fatalities on Lake Minnetonka. In response to these tragedies, a group of boaters formed the Minnetonka Water Safety Patrol. They used their own boats and supplied their own uniforms and equipment. The patrol promoted safety, but had no actual authority.

In 1959, the Minnesota State Legislature passed the Minnesota Boat and water Safety Act, which states: "The sheriff of each county shall maintain a program of search, rescue, buoying or marking, patrol, removal of hazards to navigation... The sheriff shall investigate watercraft accidents and drownings and report findings..." Click here for details of the Act. To meet the requirements of the new law the sheriff deputized members of the Lake Minnetonka Water Safety Patrol, thus creating the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol

 

Lake Minnetonka Water Safety Patrol Volunteers circa 1956

Today

The duties and responsibilities of the Water Patrol have evolved to keep pace with the needs of the citizens. Water Patrol Deputies are extensively  trained in water rescue, law enforcement, fire fighting and advanced first aid.

What has not changed is the dedication of both the volunteer Special Deputies and the licensed Deputies and Staff. Under the leadership of Sheriff Richard Stanek, today's Water Patrol consists  of eight licensed personnel, including a Lieutenant, Sergeant and six licensed deputies supplemented by 38 sworn and commissioned civilian Special Deputies.

Unlike the Safety Patrol of the 1950's, today's Special Deputies have the power to arrest and issue citations for water related violations. In addition, they are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all water related emergencies in Hennepin County. Special Deputies serve without pay. All contribute at least 100 hours per year, but many serve more than 400 hours per year. Of the 38 Special Deputies currently serving the citizens of Hennepin County, five have more than 15 years of service. 

Special Deputies are men and women who come from a variety of backgrounds. There are business owners, salesmen, airline pilots, doctors, registered nurses,  paramedics, and others involved in law enforcement.

One Special Deputy was personally honored by President Bush for contributing more than 15,000 volunteer hours in his 24 year career with the Water Patrol. Another Special Deputy met with President Bush in 2007 during the president's inspection of the 35W Bridge collapse. Many go on to careers in law enforcement, including the North St. Paul Police Officer who lost his life while on duty in 2009

If you are interested in becoming a Special Deputy, you can request an request an application by clicking this link

After submitting your application, you will be called in for an interview in September. Once you are accepted, you will go through a background check, and begin your training. Training consists of four months of weekly classroom training sessions, and a full summer of on-the-job training. You will be sworn in as a Special Deputy during the annual recognition dinner held in October.