Lanier DNR officer earns regional honor

GAINESVILLE - A Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) law enforcement Corporal who works on Lake Lanier has been named Officer of The Year by the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Caucus (SSBLAC).
 
Cpl. Jason Roberson got the nod recently after being named Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division 2014 Boating Officer of the Year in February.
 
This fall, Roberson will represent Georgia as one of three finalists nationwide for the National Association of Boating Law Administrators' "Butch Potts Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" Award to be presented at its annual conference.
 
"We are very proud of Jason and the outstanding work he does at Lanier," said DNR Law Enforcement Director Colonel Eddie Henderson. "I'm not surprised he won the SSBLAC award. His work ethic and track record speak for themselves and I believe he has good chance of picking up the national award."

DNR officials said Roberson has been successful in enforcing Boating Under the Influence laws and pursuing those who participate in illegal drug activity.
 
In addition to his expertise in boating law enforcement, officials said Robertson is highly-skilled in search and rescue (SAR) operations. In 2014, he conducted 15 SAR missions, several of which included victims needing immediate medical attention. During the cold 2014 winter, he assisted in the double body recovery of two missing boys in an ice-covered cove on Lanier. The ice had to be broken up before search efforts could begin.

In the Division’s Northeast Georgia Region, Cpl. Roberson is a mentor younger Rangers and in the community, he works with the Gainesville/Hall County Safe Kids Coalition where he gave fourteen water safety programs to target-aged children.

When nominating Cpl. Roberson for the state award, his supervisor, Sergeant Mike Burgamy said, "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."

"Jason has proven he is committed to public safety and will be an outstanding representative for Georgia DNR and our Law Enforcement Division. I wish him the best at the national level," DNR Commissioner Mark Williams said.

Roberson has been with Georgia DNR law Enforcement for 14 years and resides in Dawson County.