Senior Ranger Travis Bernstein Named 2025 NASBLA Western Region Boating Officer of the Year
For the past two and a half years, Bernstein has led Larimer County’s boating program with exceptional dedication to public and staff safety on Colorado’s waterways. His leadership, innovative training initiatives, and commitment to excellence in marine safety have set a high standard for boating law enforcement.
As a Senior Ranger, Bernstein supervises both full-time and temporary staff while actively patrolling Larimer County’s waters, focusing on rescues, boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement, and safety compliance. His diligence ensures that patrol and maintenance boats are equipped with essential safety gear, including throw bags and serviceable personal flotation devices (PFDs). Bernstein has also championed the adoption of a new, safer law enforcement PFD system for rangers, enhancing field safety.
Bernstein has adopted the Larimer County Boat Academy, which has become a benchmark in Colorado, providing essential training for temporary staff and other local agencies. In 2023, he launched the boat rescue refresher scenario day at Horsetooth Reservoir, now known as the “Brendan Unitt Boat Rescue Refresher Day” in honor of a fallen ranger. This annual event, which grew to include over 40 participants from fire departments and agencies across northern Colorado in 2024, allows boat response units to practice flatwater rescue and boat-handling skills through realistic scenarios.
Bernstein’s commitment to safety and innovative training has made a lasting impact on the community. His leadership exemplifies the highest standards of marine law enforcement.
Bernstein’s contributions to public safety, staff training, and the development of impactful programs make him a deserving recipient of the 2025 NASBLA Western Region Boating Officer of the Year award. Congratulations, Senior Ranger Travis Bernstein!
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First presented in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. The award program consists of three levels: state, regional, and national.
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, publications, and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers, and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.