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About Us
History
| 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 1957, they were made special deputies and served under the Hennepin County Sheriff. In 1959, the Minnesota Sate 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. |
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Minnetonka 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, the Water Patrol staff consists of eight licensed personnel, including a Lieutenant, Sergeant, detective and five licensed deputies supplemented by 45 sworn and commissioned Special Deputies. Special Deputies are civilians that 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. They must commit to more than 100 hours per year, but many serve more than 400 hours per year. Of the 45 Special Deputies currently serving the citizens of Hennepin County, five have more than 15 years of service. |
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Special Deputies are men and women that 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 honored by President Bush during a 2002 visit to Minneapolis for contributing more than 15,000 volunteer hours in his 24 year career with the Water Patrol. Another Special Deputy met with President Bush during the presidents inspection of the 35W Bridge collapse.
If you are interested in becoming a Special Deputy, you can request an request an application by clicking this link
After filling out the 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.
2009 is a special year in the history of the Hennepin County Water Patrol. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Boat and Water Safety Act, and the 50th anniversary of the Water Patrol.