Lake Chelan rescue earns officer Washington State Life Saving Award

Chelan County Sheriff's Deputy Dominic Mutch has received the Washington State Marine Patrol Life Saving Award for his Lake Chelan rescue off Don Morse Park on July 11, 2025.

Deputy Mutch rescued a person struggling to stay afloat after their personal water craft overturned. The victim wasn’t wearing a life jacket and couldn’t reboard. Deputy Mutch provided the individual with a life jacket, guided them through putting it on, and coached them nearly 100 yards to safety.

The Sheriff's Office said it is the third year in a row that the agency's Marine Program or its officers have earned state recognition.

In 2023, Sgt. Rob Huddleston took home the Marine Deputy of the Year. Last year, the Sheriff's Office, under the guidance of Deputy Garrett Churchill, received the Marine Program of the Year.

Marine Deputies provide waterway safety patrols and education to boaters on Lake Chelan and the Columbia River.

Sheriff Mike Morrison writes on Facebook that, "With miles of busy waterways, maintaining this level of service hasn’t been easy. Thanks to Sgt. Huddleston and our dedicated Marine-Certified Deputies, Chelan County continues to set the standard for marine safety across Washington State."