We are fortunate to have Corporal Jason Roberson patrolling Lake Lanier. He’s on the lake all summer long making sure boaters are obeying the boating laws and safely enjoying one of the busiest lakes in the nation.
Corporal Roberson’s stellar efforts paid off last week when he was named Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division’s 2014 Boating Officer of the Year.
“Working on Lake Lanier day in and day out is a tough job but Corporal Roberson not only handles it, he excels at it,” said DNR Law Enforcement Director Colonel Eddie Henderson. “I am very proud of him and each of the nominees for their commitment to boating safety on the state’s waterways.”
Cpl. Roberson is known for his success in enforcing Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws, pursuing those who participate in illegal drug activity, and removing those dangerous boaters from the water.
In 2014, he conducted 15 Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, several of which included victims needing immediate medical attention. In one SAR, with very little information, he used his outstanding investigative skills to successfully locate a distressed man at a marina on Lanier, quickly getting him the help he needed.
During the cold 2014 winter, he assisted in the double body recovery of two missing boys in an ice-covered cove. The ice had to be broken up before search efforts could begin.
In addition to his regular duties, Cpl. Roberson always takes the time to mentor younger Rangers and teach them solid investigative and SAR techniques and methods.
If Corporal Roberson’s name sounds a bit familiar, it might be because this isn’t the first time he has been honored for his excellent service. In 2012, Cpl. Roberson was named DNR Ranger of the Year.
Click Here for Cpl. Roberson’s Ranger of the Year Award
In the community, Cpl. Roberson works with the Gainesville/Hall County Safe Kids Coalition, and he gave fourteen water safety programs to target-aged children. He also worked the Atlanta Boat Show, providing patrons with valuable information and education.
In his nomination letter, Cpl. Roberson’s supervisor, Sergeant Mike Burgamy stated, “When it comes to ensuring the safety of Georgia’s boating public, Jason is top-notch. He is a professional that exhibits fair and unbiased enforcement, education where applicable, compassion when needed, and dedication always,” he stated.
DNR Commissioner Mark Williams expressed his appreciation saying, “Much of what you do on the lake, day in and day out protects Georgia’s greatest assets – its citizens. I truly appreciate your dedication to public safety and your work with the boaters at Lanier.”
Cpl. Roberson will receive recognition from the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association this spring, and will be a candidate for further honors from that organization as well. He is also eligible for the Butch Potts “Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” honor from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
Other Rangers nominated for the award by supervisors for outstanding work in 2014 were:
- RFC Bart Hendrix
- RFC Bobby Timmerman
- RFC Jeremy Reece
- Cpl. Bob Holley
- Cpl. Tim Hutto and
- RFC Kate Hargrove.
We are thankful for each and every DNR Law Enforcement Officer.
Cpl. Roberson is a 14-year DNR veteran. He resides in Dawson County. We have met him and we like him because he knows how to balance law enforcement with being a great guy.
Click Here for Boating Safety Information
