NASBLA Announces 2025 Northern Region Educator of the Year
Ferguson has served with the ODNR for 13 years, earning praise for his engaging Ohio Boater Education Courses. His extensive knowledge, drawn from years on Lake Erie, and enthusiastic teaching style make him a favorite among students. In 2024, he taught five courses to 74 students, logging 78 hours of classroom instruction, and provided 184 hours of on-the-water training.
Beyond the classroom, Ferguson completed 65 vessel safety checks, conducted 156 hours of boat patrol, and trained new probationary officers to prepare them for fieldwork. Following a devastating tornado at Indian Lake, he dedicated 46 hours to debris removal, ensuring safer waterways for the community.
Ferguson’s expertise extends to training ODNR and local law enforcement officers in courses including NASBLA Officer Water Survival, Swift Water Rescue, National Safe Boating Council Boat Control, and Basic Marine Patrol Training. He also shares his expertise with partner agencies and was instrumental in integrating the Ohio Boater Education Course into the Toledo Fire Department’s academy curriculum. In recognition, he was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Toledo Sail and Power Squadron in 2024.
Ferguson’s community outreach includes coordinating boat shows and leading the Outdoor Adventure Kids program, which introduces at-risk youth to law enforcement and outdoor recreation. His efforts foster confidence and promote safe boating practices among diverse audiences.
NASBLA recognizes Ferguson’s passion for preventing incidents through education, training, and dedicated patrols. His work has a lasting impact on Ohio’s waterways, exemplifying excellence in public service.
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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.