NASBLA News

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 17, 2026) – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has named the regional recipients of the 2026 Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. The annual award recognizes boating law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to advancing recreational boating safety and strengthening enforcement efforts on the nation’s waterways.

 

The 2026 regional recipients are:

 

 

Each regional recipient will now be considered for the national Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, which will be announced during NASBLA’s 67th Annual Conference, Sept. 15–17, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

Conservation Officer Shawn Wichmann of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was selected as the 2026 Northern Region Officer of the Year for his leadership in boating safety enforcement, impaired boating prevention and public outreach. Since joining the Minnesota DNR in 2012, Wichmann has become known for his proactive enforcement efforts and strong commitment to engaging the boating community. In addition to his patrol responsibilities, he serves as a NASBLA-certified instructor, mentors new conservation officers and works closely with local, state and federal partners to promote safe boating practices throughout southwest Minnesota. Learn more about Wichmann’s career achievements.

 

Game Warden First Class Adam Kimbrough of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was named the 2026 Southern Region Officer of the Year for his commitment to boating safety on Georgia’s waterways. Assigned to the Lake Lanier area, Kimbrough has logged hundreds of hours conducting boating safety patrols, vessel inspections and impaired boating enforcement operations. He has also played a key role in Operation Dry Water efforts and remains deeply involved in officer mentorship, public education and outreach initiatives that encourage safe and responsible boating. Find out more about Kimbrough’s accomplishments.

 

Sgt. Travis Vessells of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marine Enforcement Unit was recognized as the 2026 Western Region Officer of the Year for his contributions to marine law enforcement, boating safety and officer training. As supervisor of the Marine Enforcement Unit, Vessells oversees enforcement and search-and-rescue operations along the Colorado River system and Lake Havasu. Beyond his operational responsibilities, he is a respected instructor who helps train marine officers across California and fosters collaboration among local, state and federal agencies. Read more about Vessells’ achievements throughout his career.

 

Together, these officers have made meaningful contributions to recreational boating safety through enforcement, leadership and public service. Their efforts help make America’s waterways safer while strengthening boating law enforcement programs and promoting a culture of safety across the country.

 

NASBLA congratulates Shawn Wichmann, Adam Kimbrough and Travis Vessells on being named the 2026 regional recipients of the Butch Potts Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and looks forward to recognizing them during the 67th Annual NASBLA Conference, Sept. 15–17, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.