05/23/2026
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Adds New Patrol Boat to Enhance Waterway Safety
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the addition of a new patrol vessel to its Marine Unit, significantly enhancing the agency’s ability to protect and serve residents and visitors across Limestone County’s waterways.
The new patrol boat was acquired through a U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Grant administered by the Department of Homeland Security, which covered 75 percent of the vessel’s total cost. The remaining 25 percent was funded through surplus funds from the Sheriff’s Office Fiscal Year 2024 budget, allowing the agency to make this important investment without placing any additional burden on taxpayers.
The vessel is a purpose-built 27-foot Safe Boat Center Console patrol boat designed to provide the speed, reliability, and maneuverability required for modern marine law enforcement operations. The boat is equipped with advanced marine technology, including multi-band GPS, radar, thermal imaging, and side-scanning sonar. These systems will assist deputies with navigation, locating vessels during low-visibility conditions, detecting individuals or objects in the water, and supporting search and rescue or recovery operations.
The addition of this vessel will allow deputies to patrol Limestone County’s waterways more effectively, respond faster to emergencies, and strengthen boating safety efforts throughout the community.
Limestone County’s waterways, particularly along the Tennessee River, continue to see heavy recreational, fishing, and commercial use each year. The new patrol boat will enhance the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to conduct boating safety enforcement, emergency response operations, homeland security missions, and critical search and rescue efforts on the water.
“This vessel represents a major investment in the safety of our community and the future of our Marine Unit,” said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. “As Limestone County continues to grow, so does the need for us to have the proper equipment and technology to respond quickly, protect our waterways, and assist those in need. This new patrol boat gives our deputies enhanced capabilities to serve the public safely and effectively, and we are extremely grateful for the support provided through the U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Grant program and the Department of Homeland Security.”
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy the county’s waterways safely and responsibly. The addition of this patrol vessel will provide a stronger law enforcement presence on the water and enhance public safety for years to come.
