Deputy earns statewide honors

BONNERS FERRY — With two BNSF railroad employees trapped on a derailed locomotive in the river, Boundary County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Watts didn’t hesitate, jumping into action to help rescue the pair.

Watts was honored as the 2020 Idaho Marine Deputy of the Year for his actions, receiving a letter of commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Watts was nominated by Boundary County Sheriff David Kramer in February. The nominations then went through a panel of past award recipients, which selected Watts for the award.

“It is the highest honor of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation,” said David Dahms, boating program manager of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Kramer’s nomination letter cited the many contributions to improving the marine division and being involved in the rescue during the BNSF railway derailment.

“He was the boat pilot of a nighttime rescue of two BNSF railroad employees trapped in a derailed locomotive in the river.” Kramer wrote in his nomination letter.

In the letter, Kramer details Watts’ work with developing the dive rescue team and training new sheriff divers, facilitated a mileage system for the Kootenai River, provided boat training sessions for the public, distributed water safety material at local events, conducting boat checks and arresting people for operating under the influence.

In a letter from the U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Anthony J. Vogt wrote, “Your dedication and performance set the standard not only for marine law enforcement but as a mentor and role model.”

The Marine Division, which Watts is involved with, is responsible for patrolling the Kootenai River and Moyie River and numerous lowland lakes scattered throughout the county.

Watts thanked all the organizations that collaborated with the marine division to make the rivers safer and be a source for his success.

“We continue to strive forward and make the banks better every day, whether its the boat program, safety on the river or the diving,” Watts said, “anything on the water we are constantly taking steps forward to make it that much better for our community.”

Watt said he feels humbled and a surge of pride for his award and acknowledgment by the law enforcement community. He feels his success is due to teamwork from different agencies and receiving support from Sheriff Kramer.

“It’s humbling … appreciated, but at the same time there is more to a program than one person,” he said.

Watts plans to continue the community outreach program, expand the marine division and hopefully find funding for a new boat as the Kootenai River sees a surge of recreational use.