LEXINGTON, Kentucky — The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has named Maine Marine Patrol Officer Tom Reardon as its 2021 BOAT Program Instructor of the Year.

The award was presented December 8, 2021 during the NASBLA BOAT Advisory Board meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program provides maritime law enforcement personnel and emergency first responders with U.S. Coast Guard recognized training, qualification, and credentialing.  

Launched in 2009, the BOAT Program has a catalog of more than 27 nationally recognized courses and has taught more than 17,500 maritime professionals in 46 states and U.S. territories.

Officer Reardon is one of more than 300 BOAT instructors nationwide.

A BOAT instructor since 2019, Officer Reardon has proven to be a valued and capable instructor over the past two years, according to Maine Department of Marine Resources, in a news release.

“Officer Reardon’s knowledge of his professional specialty and willingness to assist in any capacity has made him a valuable asset to the NASBLA BOAT Program’s Instructor Cadre,” said John Fetterman, Deputy Executive Director of NASBLA.

“I have memories of the first time I met Officer Reardon as a new officer assigned to Stonington,” said Fetterman, who is also a former Chief Pilot and Deputy Chief of the Maine Marine Patrol. “I had been asked to take him on a flight of his new patrol area and as soon as we met on the dock, Officer Reardon arrived with a smile on his face and an obvious passion of his new career. He made a lasting impression and carries those same qualities with him today.”

During the presentation, Officer Reardon was applauded for his high degree of professional excellence as a BOAT Program instructor.

“Starting as a break-in instructor in 2019, Officer Reardon quickly earned the NASBLA Instructor Credential, teaching eight courses in the last 24 months,” said Fetterman. “Officer Reardon consistently uses tact and leadership which promotes a genuine feeling of self-achievement and a desire to excel among the instructors who work with him.”

“He has facilitated learner engagement in every course he has taught, is well prepared for each course, delivers the knowledge and skills effectively, and builds confidence in his students,” added Fetterman.

“Officer Reardon is deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Lieutenant Troy Dow. “He is a leader among his peers in Marine Patrol and Maine law enforcement. This award recognizes his exceptional knowledge and skills as well as his unique ability to help others advance professionally. His work as a BOAT instructor also ensures coordination among the nation’s maritime law enforcement and responder community, which is critical for national security.”  

Officer Reardon has served in the Maine Marine Patrol since 1997 and currently serves in the Lamoine, Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor patrol.