ALEA troopers complete Marine Patrol Boating School, ready to serve on Alabama’s waterways
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Four Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers successfully completed the agency’s Marine Patrol Boating School and are now prepared to serve and protect on Alabama’s waterways. Two of the new marine troopers will be assigned to the Northern District on Pickwick Lake and Lay Lake, with the latter bordering Coosa County. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Four Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) troopers have successfully completed the agency’s Marine Patrol Boating School and are now prepared to serve and protect on Alabama’s waterways, just in time for the busy spring and summer boating season.
Three of the four troopers were members of ALEA Trooper Class 2025-B who graduated from the Training Center in October of 2025. Following their graduation, each trooper completed the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP) on Alabama’s roadways before transitioning to specialized marine patrol instruction.
The fourth graduate transferred from ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division.
Each of the four troopers will be assigned to patrol different bodies of water across Alabama, from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast, strengthening ALEA’s presence statewide during peak boating season.
One trooper will be assigned to the Southern District, one will be assigned to the Alabama River in the Central District, and two will be assigned to the Northern District on Pickwick Lake and Lay Lake.
Last Friday, March 20, the troopers graduated from the five-week, hands-on Marine Patrol Boating School held in Orange Beach. The comprehensive program equips troopers with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to ensure public safety on Alabama’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters during one of the most active times of the year.
Throughout the training, troopers received instruction in a wide range of critical areas, including boating laws and regulations, vessel stops and investigations, boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement, vessel operations, and night operations.
The program emphasizes both classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring troopers are fully prepared for the unique challenges of marine law enforcement.
“These troopers have already proven themselves on Alabama’s roadways, and now they are stepping into a new role protecting our waterways at a critical time of year,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “As boating activity increases across the state, their training and commitment will help ensure the safety of everyone enjoying Alabama’s lakes, rivers and coastal areas.”
Colonel Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, encouraged the troopers to approach their new assignments with initiative and professionalism.
“The key to success in Marine Patrol is simple, get on the boat and go to work,” said Colonel Archer. “Treat people with respect, stay engaged, and take pride in what you do. You control your attitude every day. Negativity can spread quickly, but so can positivity, and that’s what we expect you to carry forward as you serve on Alabama’s waterways.”
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division remains committed to promoting safe and responsible boating while protecting Alabama’s natural resources and those who enjoy them. As boating activity increases, ALEA encourages all individuals to follow boating laws, wear life jackets and never operate a vessel under the influence.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.alea.gov.
