The Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Water Rescue Unit is charged with the responsibility of patrolling the lakes of Oakland County. The Unit is prepared for ready-response to the 450 plus lakes in the County. The Marine Unit fleet has twenty-three patrol boats, two rapid-response jump boats, one hovercraft, six all-terrain vehicles, and four snowmobiles assigned to the unit, which are put to use by qualified full- and part-time uniformed officers.
The Unit maintains a 12-member, highly-trained, dive-and-rescue team.
The team is equipped with the latest advanced technology dive gear,
including Side-Scan Sonar and underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). With continuous specialized training and equipment, the Sheriff’s Dive Team is ready to dive in virtually any weather or water condition. In 2018, there were over 307 hours of search-and-rescue, 1,918 hours of contracted lake patrol, and 1,950 hours of jump boat patrol. In addition, The Marine Unit received 148 professional citations for their dedicated service.
The Sheriff's Marine Unit conducts
boater, snowmobile, and hunter safety courses that are free to the public. In 2018, there were 464 people certified in Boater Safety and 75 people certified in Hunter Safety courses.
Marine Unit General Information/Classes: 248-858-7831
Marine Unit Sergeant Brain Burwell: 248-858-1664