Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard on Thursday morning officially dedicated the Sheriff's Department's New boat and launched it in a short ceremony that took place the Umphrey Pavillion located on Recreational Road 255 on the south shore of Lake Sam Rayburn.
"The people said they wanted more patrol and presence of law enforcment and that it what I am trying to give them with the addition of this new boat" is what Sheriff Havard said in opening.
Havard thanked the people who had donated money for the purchase of the new boat saying " I told people what I wanted to do and within 27 hours they had donated over $100,000 for the purchase of the boat and it's accessories.
Havard has said the boat will be on patrol on the lake during major holidays and other events which draw record numbers of people to the lake.
Havard said the boat was dedicated to the late Raymond Claude, a man who was instrumental in organizing the Jasper County Emergency Corps in the mid 70's. Claude, who in later years worked as a jailer and dispatcher for the Jasper County Sheriff's Department was attacked by inmates in the early 80's and later died as a result of his injuries.
Sheriff Havard praised Jasper County Judge Mark Allen and other members of the Jasper County Commissioners Court for not only their assistance with the boat but also other vehicles and needs within the department.
Following the ceremony and the christening of the boat by local pastors Rodney Norsworthy and Ray Lewis, the boat was pulled by truck to the nearby Public Boat Ramp where it was launched and later provided rides to those that wanted to go.
Hot dogs and other refreshments were also served at the event which began at 11:00 with around 100 people present.
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