ORANGE BEACH – 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.
On 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 (DPS), 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.
