Two Wildlife Law Enforcement officers from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have been recognized for their commitment to boating safety awareness by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Officer Charles Nunnery has been selected as the 2018 Boating Officer of the Year for his exhaustive efforts in promoting boating safety in Bladen County, particularly on White Lake, Black River and the Cape Fear River. He continually showcases diligence in the area, regularly responding to boating collisions and search and rescue requests, even while off duty.

An example of Nunnery’s dedication occurred after receiving a call to the Cape Fear River where a family was stranded on a sinking boat. He quickly jumped into action and found the family of four, secured the sinking vessel and transported the family safely back to their vehicle.

Nunnery additionally conducts regular pre-launch boating safety checks for the public and trains law enforcement recruits on kayak safety at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division’s Basic School.

By showcasing his strong work ethic and constantly going the extra mile, Nunnery has made the waterways in Bladen County, and throughout the entire state, a safer place to be.

In 2016, after investigating a deadly boating accident that resulted from underage drinking, he partnered with local and state emergency organizations to create an underage drinking and water safety educational video. His goal is to bring the video to local high schools in his area and help inform young men and women about the dangers of drinking and operating a vessel.

By employing a creative and multi-faceted approach to his work, Enoch has been instrumental in helping to promote safety on our state’s waterways.

Both officers are valuable assets to the Wildlife Law Enforcement Division and are most-deserving of these awards.