Volunteer Opportunities

When you go to work on Monday, and someone asks, "What did you do this weekend?", wouldn't it be great to say, "I saved a life"? There is little that is more satisfying than making a difference in someone's life and there is no better way than by becoming a Water Patrol Special Deputy.

If you are over 21 years old, can swim 100 yards, and can pass a background check then you have the basic qualifications to become a Special Deputy. You do not need to be seeking a career in law enforcement. You can be a salesperson, a shift worker or a professional. You can be a boat-owner or landlubber. All we ask is for your desire to volunteer and your willingness to make a difference.

Point of Interest: More than half of the Water Patrol Special Deputies are over 40 years of age. About ten started their training at the age of 50 or more.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol Unit is responsible for all water-related incidents within the county. The unit performs the statutory duties of law enforcement on waterways and actively patrols the 104 lakes and three major rivers in the county.

The Water Patrol Unit is comprised of both licensed deputies and special deputies. (Volunteers at the Sheriff's Office earn the title of "special deputy" after they complete training and they are sworn-in by the Sheriff.)

If you are over 21 years old, can swim 100 yards, and can pass a background check then you have the basic qualifications to become a Water Patrol Special Deputy.

The Water Patrol takes applications once a year in June. If you would like to be notified when the application window is open, please sign up to be on our mailing list. Not only will you be notified to submit an application, you will be invited for ride-alongs to see exactly what the Water Patrol does. To sign up, click here.

To learn more, please contact Sgt. Jennifer Johnson 612-596-9818 or Jennifer.E.Johnson@co.hennepin.mn.us

Make a Difference in Someone's Life