The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators named Officer Specialist Nicole Basford of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this year’s Operation Dry Water Officer of the Year.
Basford serves in Bay County, Fla., and is a 10-year veteran of conservation law enforcement. In addition to her BUI enforcement details, she has mentored officers and investigators, trained new officers and lead targeted enforcement. She is an instructor at the FWC Academy and teaches the BUI curriculum.
“Officer Specialist Basford is a tremendous asset to not only FWC officers in our region, but also to partner agencies across the Panhandle,” northwest regional commander Fred Rondeau said in a statement. “Her enthusiasm and dedication for BUI enforcement is contagious, and we’ve seen her influence make a difference.”
Basford was instrumental in establishing a BUI task force in the Panama City, Fla., area. Since the task force’s inception in 2019, Basford has led the team with the most BUI arrests.
“This prestigious national award is well-deserved recognition for Officer Specialist Basford’s dedication to keeping Florida waters safe,” said FWC boating and waterways section leader Maj. Rob Beaton. “She has distinguished herself through her efforts and teamwork, and we couldn’t be more pleased that one of our own has been chosen as this year’s Operation Dry Water Officer of the Year.
Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign that aims to reduce alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities. It takes place annually during the Fourth of July holiday.
