Friday, June 24, 2016

Florida FWC honors Molnar as 2016 Boating Officer of the Year

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission honors Jarrod Molnar as 2016 Boating Officer of the Year

Thursday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized Officer Jarrod Molnar as its 2016 Boating Officer of the Year during the Commission meeting in Eastpoint.

The annual award honors a state officer whose efforts show outstanding performance and achievement among sworn conservation law enforcement personnel in the field of boating, boating safety, BUI enforcement and fisheries conservation. Officer Molnar's 786 hours of vessel patrol in 2015 show his dedication to this integral aspect of the FWC's mission.

Officer Molnar is a coastal officer assigned to southern Okaloosa County in the FWC's Northwest Region. His knowledge of Florida Statutes that apply to boating, boating safety, fisheries regulations, navigation and waterways is extensive, and he uses that knowledge while patrolling state waters. He has established and maintained close working relationships with FWC partner agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Sherrif's Office and Eglin Air Force Base military police. He has also been selected by FWC academy staff as an instructor for vessel operations for new FWC recruits.

One of Office Molnar's greatest strengths is his continuing commitment to keeping Florida waters safe by enforcing Boating Under the Influence laws. He is a certified breath test operator and cited a number of underage persons in possession of alcohol plus made 13 BUI arrests in 2015. In addition to making his own cases, he has provided essential mentoring and training to other officers in his region regarding BUI enforcement. From 2014 to 2015, BUI cases in Okaloosa County more than doubled, thanks in no small part to Officer Molnar's efforts and leadership.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators will also recognize Officer Molnar as their Boating Officer of the Year for the entire 20-state southern region of the U.S.

"Officer Molnar's exemplary efforts on the water make him an ideal choice for Boating Officer of the Year," said Maj. Richard Moore, FWC's Boating and Waterways section leader. "His commitment to public safety is outstanding, and he is a great ambassador for FWC on the water. I'm proud to have him representing our agency as FWC's Boating Officer of the Year and NASBLA Southern Region Boating Officer of the Year."

Media contact: Rob Klepper, 850-617-9666 or Robert.Klepper@MyFWC.com