On Friday, June 28, 2024, TCSO Marine Deputy Dennis Greiner received special recognition and a Public Service Commendation from USCG Station Tillamook Bay. This came as quite the surprise to Deputy Greiner who believed he was in attendance to honor retiring Master Chief Corbin Ross and to welcome the new Officer in Charge, Senior Chief Bryan Ballenger to the job.
Outgoing Master Chief Ross explained to the gathering of friends, family and the public, the reasons for Deputy Greiner was receiving this first time award and official recognition.
“Deputy Greiner is cited for his exemplary service to the United States Coast Guard from January 2021 – March 2024. Displaying selfless dedication in support of the Coast Guard missions, while serving as a trusted partner to Station Tillamook Bay, Deputy Greiner devoted hundreds of underway operational patrol hours in the conduct of search and rescue, in maritime law enforcement operations, throughout the coastal and inland waterways of Tillamook County.
“In 2021, he spearheaded a joint effort between the USCG, the Oregon Marine Board and the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office to bring public awareness to the dangers of recreational activities within Netarts Bay following a record high of ten fatalities in the previous eleven months.
“And when Station Tillamook Bay staffing levels fell below 50% due to unprecedented recruitment and retention challenges across the Coast Guard, Deputy Greiner facilitated the use of Tillamook County Sheriff’s Marine Units to provide uninterrupted search and rescue and law enforcement presence, resulting in the execution of more than 200 recreational and commercial vessel boardings. And the determination of 9 vessels for inadequate safety gear or operating grossly overloaded.
“Most notably, on November 10, 2023, Deputy Greiner assisted Station Tillamook Bay with the rescue of four stranded hypothermic clammers in the shallow waters of Netarts Bay. Utilizing his unparalleled local knowledge and immense seamanship skills, he assisted the crew aboard the skiff with navigating a complex maze of sandbars and shallow water to reach the persons in immediate need of rescue. Once on-scene, Deputy Greiner quickly triaged and stabilized the hypothermic survivors and then repeated the incredible challenge of safely navigating the skiff back to the awaiting medical services ashore.
“Deputy Greiner’s superior performance of duty, dedication to public service, and steadfast partnership with Station Tillamook Bay is most heartily commended in our keeping with the greatest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.”
TCSO Undersheriff Matt Kelly and Sheriff Joshua Brown were also in attendance at the ceremony. “We already know and recognize that we have some of the most dedicated law enforcement professionals serving as Deputies for our county,” said Sheriff Brown. “But it is especially nice when these individuals are also recognized by our partnering agencies.”
And what did Dennis think of the surprise award? “I am absolutely honored to receive recognition for doing my job, especially by Master Chief Ross at his retirement ceremony,” said Deputy Greiner. “But, I have to say, it is the relationship and teamwork between the Sheriff’s Office, USCG and local fire departments that really should be highlighted.”
Deputy Greiner is a United States Navy veteran who began working for the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2018. Are you ready for a new career path, one that is full of new challenges, excitement and responsibility? Visit tillamooksheriff.com now and apply to join our team.
