Marine One
Waterway PatrolMarine One, a 29-foot Munson Pakcat, patrols Lake St. Clair from early spring to late fall enforcing maritime law and preserving life and property.
About the Marine One
The Chesterfield Township Department of Public Safety Marine One Division was placed into service in 2020 and patrols the township's waterways from early spring to late fall. Marine One is deployed on Lake St. Clair to provide a public safety presence, enforce maritime law, promote boating safety and preserve life and property.
Marine One is a 29-foot Munson Pakcat equipped with twin Honda 225 outboard engines and a retractable bow door that can be lowered into the water for water rescue and diving. The division is staffed by 12 sworn officers and six firefighters, including divers, and the Fire Chief serves as a certified train-the-trainer for boat operations.
In 2025 Marine One spent 180 hours on the water and made 121 contacts with boaters. Patrol hours were concentrated in June, September, October and November. The boat did not operate in July or August, and the busiest month was September with 60 hours on the water and 37 contacts.
Because Lake St. Clair sits on the international border with Canada, Marine One's patrols are supported by Operation Stonegarden, a federal program that reimburses local agencies for operations that secure United States land and water borders. The program reimbursed $17,721.51 in labor and $327.10 in fuel for the year's patrols.
Responsibilities
- Patrol Lake St. Clair and township waterways from early spring to late fall
- Enforce Michigan maritime and boating safety laws
- Respond to boating accidents, capsizings and swimmers in distress
- Support water rescue and dive operations with the retractable bow door
- Provide a public safety presence along the international border under Operation Stonegarden
- Assist neighboring agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard on the lake
- Conduct boating safety education and demonstrations for the public safety academies
Operation Stonegarden
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) provides federal funding to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along United States land and water borders. Local governments are eligible for reimbursement of ongoing operations that secure the border along routes of ingress.
In 2025 Stonegarden reimbursed $17,721.51 in labor and $327.10 in fuel for Marine One operations across 180 patrol hours and 121 contacts. The table below lists the funds, contacts and hours for each month the boat was active.
Marine One Activity
| Month | Labor | Fuel | Contacts | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | $4,554.23 | $327.10 | 43 | 48 |
| July | $0 | $0 | 0 | 0 |
| August | $0 | $0 | 0 | 0 |
| September | $5,754.74 | $0 | 37 | 60 |
| October | $3,706.27 | $0 | 16 | 36 |
| November | $3,706.27 | $0 | 25 | 36 |
| Total | $17,721.51 | $327.10 | 121 | 180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Marine One on the water?
Marine One patrols from early spring to late fall. In 2025 it was active in June, September, October and November.
How do I report an emergency on the lake?
Call 911. The Dispatch Center will send Marine One when it is in service and coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard and neighboring marine units.
Who crews the boat?
Marine One is staffed by 12 sworn police officers and six firefighters, including divers. The Fire Chief is a certified train-the-trainer for boat operations.
What is Operation Stonegarden?
A federal program that reimburses local agencies for operations that secure United States land and water borders. It supports Marine One patrols on Lake St. Clair.