Archived Outdoors

Swain officer wins state boating award

A Bryson City man has been honored as North Carolina’s Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. 

Brian Cookston, a master officer with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, was recognized for his quick response to a commercial jet boat accident last year on Fontana Lake, which resulted in injuries to numerous passengers. He was instrumental in getting medical attention and other help on scene and also aided the U.S. Coast Guard investigation.

He has also been highly involved in community outreach and education for safe boating, from classes for boat operators to courtesy vessel inspections at boat ramps. He is a leader in the annual campaign to discourage drinking and driving on the water.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.