Deputy Kristi Sodor Deputy Kristi Sodor, a 2004 Lake Superior State law enforcement graduate, will serve as Mackinac County's marine deputy assigned to patrol Big Manistique and South Manistique lakes in the western end of the county.

The 24-year-old deputy is training with Mackinac County's two other marine deputies, senior marina officer Tom Sherlund of Cedarville and Jeff Sword of St. Ignace, and when that is completed within the next few weeks, she will begin her patrols in an 18foot Lund boat.

She said boating safety and that will be her primary goal and she will be checking recreational boats to make sure approved life jackets are available to all passengers and that all children are wearing them.

Vessels with enclosed compartments require a fire extinguisher, she said, and all watercraft must be registered and have running lights after dark. While alcohol is permissible on a boat, she will check to make sure boaters are 21 years old and that the operator is not intoxicated

"Proper safety is what I'm concerned about," she said.

Funding for Ms. Sodor's position comes from a $10,000 federal marine operations grant administered through the state, said Sheriff Scott Strait. The third marine position was eliminated two years ago during state budget cuts.

Since graduation, Ms. Sodor, a Curtis native, has served Portage Township as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteered on the township fire department.

This month she will test for her Level I and Level II fire fighter certification.