The Mahogany Boater Education Association Inc. donated $40,000 to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to support deep-water diving operations.
The contribution helped KCSO buy advanced SONAR equipment for about $85,000, which allows emergency responders to see the bottom of Lake Coeur d’Alene and surrounding waterways, “providing an enhanced, more effective tool to support search and recovery operations.”
“Safety is a core part of our mission at MBEA. This donation reflects our commitment to supporting those who work tirelessly to keep our waters safe for everyone,” said Scott Hislop, MBEA Board Member. “We’re honored to partner with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and provide them with the tools they need to serve the community more effectively so we can all enjoy the waterways we love.”
The equipment was purchased in partnership with Kootenai County and will be used by KCSO to locate submerged objects and assist in critical response situations, including drownings, missing persons and recovery operations, a press release said.
“This SONAR technology will significantly enhance our ability to respond quickly and accurately to water-related incidents requiring advanced equipment,” said Sgt. Ryan Odegaard. “We are incredibly grateful to MBEA for their generosity and continued partnership.”