Since joining the DNR in July 2016, Officer Fogarty has demonstrated unwavering dedication to boating law enforcement. He has consistently gone above and beyond normal duties, volunteering for special assignments such as interview boards for new hires, assisting with the Correctional Officer (CO) entrance exam, participating in recruiting events, and engaging in public speaking and media events.
Officer Fogarty's commitment to boating safety is evident in his proactive enforcement efforts. District 13 encompasses Hennepin, Carver, and Scott counties, home to more than 142,000 boats. His flexible schedule ensures he is on the water during high-use times, maintaining a strong presence on busy lakes. Officer Fogarty has made numerous arrests for violations including boating while intoxicated (BWI), failure to have personal flotation devices (PFDs) aboard watercraft, and operating watercraft at night without lights, significantly reducing potential boating incidents.
He actively participates in boating enforcement efforts across the state, including traveling to the Mississippi River and Lake Minnetonka during the rating period to conduct boat and water safety operations. Officer Fogarty takes pride in spending more time on the water than most officers in the state.
In addition to enforcement, Officer Fogarty is deeply involved in boating safety education. During the open water season, he educates boaters directly through personal contacts, making thousands of such interactions while on patrol. Officer Fogarty consistently offers his expertise in boat and water safety, frequently communicating with deputies and local COs to ensure they have the knowledge needed to perform their duties safely and effectively.
His public engagement includes speaking at the Minnesota State Fair, conducting TV and radio interviews, and collaborating with the DNR Office of Communications & Outreach on boat and water safety topics. His educational efforts cover life jacket use, ice safety, self-rescue, and duck hunting water safety, among others. He has conducted numerous classes on boat and water safety awareness throughout the western metropolitan area.
Throughout 2023, Officer Fogarty documented numerous hours of enforcing boating safety laws, patrolling lakes of varying activity levels. His involvement in the NASBLA’s Operation Dry Water campaign and related media events underscores his commitment to promoting awareness of the dangers of impaired boating.
Officer Fogarty's positive attitude and dedication to public safety are recognized by his supervisors, partners, and the community. His extensive on-the-water patrol time allows him to explain laws and regulations, discuss boating equipment, provide safety advice, and make boating recreation more enjoyable for everyone.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates Conservation Officer James Fogarty on receiving the National Boating Officer of the Year award in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and influence on recreational boating safety. To learn more about NASBLA's awards program, visit www.nasbla.org/awards.
###
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.