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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

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Local Coast Guard 

Auxiliary Flotilla seeks new 

members, continues to get better

By Ted Pennekamp

 

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Prairie du Chien Flotilla 28 has been in existence for five years and is continuing to seek new members. Flotilla 28 has 15 members but would like to get up to 19 or 20, said former Commander Roger Richter, who is now the human relations officer. Richter noted that men and women 17 years of age or older are eligible. Those who are 17 need parental approval. 

Along with seeking growth, Flotilla 28 has seen some recent changes. Steve Gress of McGregor is the new commander and Dan Breuer of Richland Center is the vice commander. Also, the flotilla is expected to soon have three “facilities” boats and possibly a fourth later on. 

Facilities boats have all of the gear necessary to be patrol boats, which help increase safety on the Mississippi River. “We hope to do more patrol work,” said Richter, who noted that Gress recently passed the coxswain test, which is very difficult and lengthy. The coxswain is the captain of the boat and make sure the rescues are done in the correct way. 

Receiving their five-year certificates recently at Flotilla 28 were Roger Richter, Lorraine Richter and Sue Tiller. 

Richter said that the flotilla will again conduct boat safety inspections this spring and summer. Safety inspections are free and will be conducted at marinas and boat ramps in Prairie du Chien, Marquette, McGregor and Bagley. Richter said that safety inspections can also be conducted at the homes of area residents upon request. He said that he can be reached at (608) 994-2784 for more information. 

In addition, the flotilla will have a Boater Safety Week display at Cabela’s of Prairie du Chien on March 28-29. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be present at Cabela’s with information on boating safety and available courses.

“We are also trying to schedule “Coastie” the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety robot for teaching boating safety to children but that is not yet for sure as there are a lot of logistics involved in bringing Coastie here particularly this time of year,” said A. J. Sullivan Jr. of the Flotilla 28.

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