Kentucky State Police returns to water patrols for first time since 1993

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Kentucky State Police has launched its first patrol boat since 1993, expanding the agency’s ability to respond to emergencies and critical incidents on the state’s waterways.

The agency unveiled a 23-foot Metal Shark 23 Relentless patrol boat that will be operated by the KSP Special Operations Branch.

The boat is designed for first responders and includes equipment similar to what is found in a state police cruiser, including a radio, emergency lights and a mobile data terminal.

KSP said the boat was fully funded through grants, and no state funds were used for its purchase.

The patrol boat can be deployed during major incidents involving water, including severe weather, public events and search-and-rescue operations.

Members of the KSP Special Response Team also completed specialized training to operate the boat during hoist rescue missions in coordination with the agency’s Aircraft Support Branch.

Special Response Team Capt. Dallas Greer said Kentucky has more than 1,600 miles of navigable waterways, including seven major rivers, three natural lakes and more than 100 man-made lakes.

KSP officials said the new equipment will improve the agency’s ability to respond to tactical and critical incidents on the water, adding a water-based response capability to its existing land and air operations.