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2024 Western Region Educator of the Year Award Winner Announced

By Taylor Kirshe posted 06-12-2024 10:27 AM

  
Scott Murdoch

2024 Western Region Educator of the Year Award Winner Announced

 

Scott Murdoch, a dedicated wildlife officer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), has been named the NASBLA Western Region Educator of the Year for 2024.

 

When envisioning a boating educator in Colorado, one might not immediately think of a wildlife officer from Conifer, a small district without boating waters. However, Murdoch has defied expectations, becoming instrumental in CPW’s mission to promote boating safety across the state.

 

Murdoch began his career as a district wildlife manager in Grand Lake, where he seized every opportunity to be on the water, patrol, and educate the public on safe boating practices. Despite moving to Area 1, which lacks water bodies, Murdoch continues to regularly patrol the large reservoirs in South Park. He is a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Officer Water Survival Instructor as well as a National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Close Quarters and Open Water Boating Instructor.

 

Each year, Murdoch instructs at various Basic Marine Operator Training (BMOT) sessions across the Northeast Region and other parts of Colorado. His most significant contribution to boating safety in the state is his tireless planning and expertise at the BMOT in Grand Lake. Murdoch ensures that new officers are well-versed in boat safety and proficient in operating vessels. As hiring classes grow, his unwavering commitment to leading planning and logistics has been crucial to the program’s success. Murdoch’s involvement ranges from classroom instruction to pool sessions and hands-on training on the water. Without his dedication, the program would likely falter.

 

Murdoch is also a dedicated volunteer, consistently signing up to work boating safety booths at events such as the International Sportsmen's Exposition and the Denver Boat Show, often serving double duty at the "Ask an Officer" booth. His latest achievement in his development as an educator was the successful completion of the demanding 5-day Officer Water Survival Instructor Course in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, underscoring his dedication to ensuring the safety of fellow officers.

 

Murdoch’s devotion to boating safety is a substantial commitment that takes time away from his family and other job duties each year, yet his unwavering passion for promoting safe boating practices across the state remains steadfast. Congratulations to Wildlife Officer Scott Murdoch, the 2024 Western Region Educator of the Year!

 

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Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises Inc., the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.

 

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.

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