2024 NASBLA Southern Region Officer of the Year Awarded to Tennessee's Montana Michelson
Officer Montana Michelson, a dedicated member of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), has been named the 2024 NASBLA Southern Region Officer of the Year.
Throughout 2023, Officer Michelson showcased unwavering commitment to boating safety and enforcement, embodying a contagious work ethic and becoming an essential asset to District 21's boating enforcement efforts. His remarkable dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to enhancing boater safety in Tennessee.
During the year, Officer Michelson conducted 837 boating inspections and spent over 252 enforcement hours on Old Hickory and Percy Priest lakes. His efforts resulted in 12 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests and the issuance of 60 boating-related citations and warnings, along with 291 verbal warnings. Additionally, he participated in four marine events, including firework shows, the Indy Car race, and the Country Music Association (CMA) Fest, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.
Officer Michelson's involvement in boating safety extended beyond enforcement as he participated in various educational initiatives. He conducted over six boating education events and spoke to school classes about TWRA officer duties and careers. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in planning and executing a detail for boating enforcement during duck season, resulting in addressing multiple boating violations.
Furthermore, Officer Michelson demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship skills, inspiring his fellow agents and contributing to the development of a team of dedicated professionals within his district. His efforts led to him receiving the 2023 Donelson Chamber of Commerce 1st Responder Award for a lifesaving response involving stranded juvenile duck hunters on Old Hickory in sub-freezing temperatures.
Officer Michelson’s emphasis on training may be his most significant contribution to TWRA and its officers. In addition to his enforcement duties, he logged 90 hours at training courses or teaching at in-service. He instructed cadets at the Tennessee Wildlife Officers Training Academy (TWOTA) and assisted statewide with Strategic Self-defense & Gunfighting Tactics (SSGT) training.
Officer Michelson is a valuable asset to TWRA. His increased role in training has benefited both cadets and veteran officers. His contributions to TWRA and the boating community in Tennessee are truly commendable.
Congratulations, Officer Montana Michelson, on this well-deserved recognition!
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First presented in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. The award program consists of three levels: state, regional, and national.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications, and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers, and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.