Gene L. Wriggelsworth, Sheriff

Marine Division

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Elite Heavy Rescue Squad is a highly specialized unit made up entirely of volunteer members and supervised by a full time command sergeant. The squad has 13 members and averages over fifty responses annually. The squads primary function is to respond to motor vehicle accidents where victims are trapped in their vehicles. Using heavy extrication equipment such as the "Jaws of Life", pneumatic cutting tools, Hydraulic tools, etc., squad members free the victims from the wreckage as quickly as possible and always keeping patient care as their top priority.

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office maintains a seasonal Marine Division, which consists of nine full-time sworn officers who patrol the rivers and lakes of the county from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The unit also works closely with the Capital Area Dive Team in search and rescue and recovery of evidence and bodies. Deputies are assigned to investigate complaints and accidents which occur on the waterways of the county.

As part of their duties and as required by the Department of Natural Resources, members of this division conduct Boater’s Safety Education Program training for students ages 12 and up. Training is offered in the spring each year at various locations throughout the county. For more information regarding the Boater’s Safety Education Program, please contact Lieutenant Vern Elliott at (517) 676-8325.