OCSO Marine Unit Deputy Sheriff Daniel Williams has been named the 2022 National Officer of the Year by the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators.
He’s been with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office since April 2017 and was described by the OCSO as someone who consistently displays a strong work ethic and tackles new challenges with positivity and confidence.
- “Deputy Williams is a pro-active law enforcement officer,” says NASBLA. “However, he also demonstrates proper judgment in conducting his daily duties. His diligence in patrolling the waterways of Okaloosa County in 2021 was exemplary.”
According to the OCSO, he self-initiated 1,050 vessel stops and totaled 1,512 calls for service. During this time, Deputy Williams issued 131 citations and made 63 arrests, including 27 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests, the most ever by an OCSO Marine Deputy.
“He focused his efforts towards educating the boating public, only citing 13 percent of the violators he encountered,” continued NASBLA. “Additionally, Deputy Williams also initiated over 60 logged calls for distressed boaters and swimmers.”
As of yesterday, Deputy Williams was on his way to Charlotte County to assist Hurricane Ian victims.
