OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Summer/Fall, 2007 -- The recent sinking of a 40-foot excursion jetboat on the Snake River has prompted Wallowa County Sheriff Fred Steens to ratchet up a campaign to ensure that he has access to Snake River to investigate accidents and crimes.

Steen said he has been trying over the past six years to arrange for a boat to provide reliable access to Hells Canyon, and not having success. The recent sinking of the jetboat, along with three airplane crashes reported this year along the Snake River in Wallowa County and increasing use in the recreation area, have increased Steen's concern regarding access to the area for his agency.

Steen said he learned of the incident from a private citizen, and was concerned about not being notified. "Any potentially life-threatening situation in the county, I need to know about," Steen said. Sheriff Steen and Marine Deputy Eric Kozowski contacted the Forest Service and Oregon State Police and were able to determine that no injuries or fatalities had occurred. "We've worked out a system where we will be notified in the future," Steen said.

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