The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary-the volunteer, civilian branch of the U.S. Coast Guard-recently began helping to patrol San Pablo Bay as part of a partnership with the Richmond Police Department's Marine Unit.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are helping patrol San Pablo Bay to help make up for recent reductions in local marine police units and manpower.
By Tomas Sarnicola
Published: October, 2015
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary—the volunteer, civilian branch of the U.S. Coast Guard—recently began helping to patrol San Pablo Bay as part of a partnership with the Richmond Police Department’s Marine Unit.
This is not the auxiliary’s first patrol assignment. Members also patrol Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa, the Napa River and throughout the Delta, officials said. “Due to reductions in local marine police units and security manpower, the auxiliary now provides additional ‘eyes and ears’ on the water,” according to a statement from the auxiliary’s Division 5, which boasts more than 200 members in Contra Costa, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
Auxiliary members will keep watch for suspicious activity, distress calls or disabled boaters to report to the Coast Guard at Sector San Francisco. A Division 5 leadership team recently met with Richmond Police Sergeant Felix Tan to review local charts and devise a patrol schedule. Tan was also presented a certificate of appreciation for “his longtime dedication and tireless effort” in patrolling San Pablo Bay.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was created in June 1939 in order to assist the active duty U.S. Coast Guard in ensuring safety on U.S. waterways. The organization sponsors boating safety classes, recreational vessel examinations and other tasks unrelated to law enforcement.
If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more, visit www.cgaux.org or call (510) 685-5146. Prior military experience is not required.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members met with Richmond Police Sergeant Felix Tan to review local charts and devise a patrol schedule.
