A new season with Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol

Members of the marine patrol, from left, Dep. Mike Fort, Dep. Mason Marrison, Dep. Mark Willis.

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By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributor 

Friday, May 15, 2026, saw me boarding the Mason County Sheriff’s Office 25-foot boat at the Loomis Street boat launch. Deputy Mike Fort, officer in charge of the unit, and Deputy Mason Marrison were aboard. Marrison is on his last season with the unit, as he plans to enter the Michigan State Police Academy after this season. Marrison is quite a dedicated young man and extremely easy to converse with.

This was the first trip out of the season escorting the SS Badger, which was making her first voyage of the season that morning. The weather was somewhat chilly and would no doubt be even chillier on the big lake. Those of us who live along the lake know that is always the case. Spring, as we all know, has been a little slow arriving.

Deputy Mike Fort at the helm

Just before we departed the dock, we were joined by Undersheriff Derrek Wilson. I guess no one told him the last guy on board brings donuts, as we did not have any. Oh well.

We entered Pere Marquette Lake and moved around positioning for the Badger’s departure. Deputy Fort kept us close to the docks, watching for the lines on the bow of the Badger to be cast off, knowing she would soon be underway.

Shortly before 9 a.m., with a blast of her horn, the Badger left her dock to begin her crossing. Deputy Fort kept the 25-foot boat positioned just right ahead of the Badger as she came out of the channel to throngs of people gathered along the channel near the Coast Guard station and in front of the Ludington Maritime Museum. This is a prime location for watching the day’s events.

Undersheriff Derrek Wilson

One thing you learn is that those on the boat have to keep a clear field of view for the person steering so they can keep eyes on the car ferry behind them, watching speed and distance while exiting the channel and harbor. One thing I remember is that they are not directly ahead of you, but slightly to the side. If you lose an engine, you need the car ferry to pass alongside you. Also, you need to stay far enough ahead so you can see the bridge, or wheelhouse, on the car ferry. If you cannot see them, they cannot see you.

With sirens occasionally blaring and the Badger’s horns blasting, you could still hear the cheers of the children along the channel sidewalk. It seemed a couple of classes had taken field trips to see the morning happenings. You could hear them cheering and, I thought, singing. They seemed quite happy.

I kept waving to the kids from the back of the boat, although I knew it was not me they were waving to, but rather the deputies, their boat and the car ferry. I was just along for the ride, but hey, you need to be friendly.

We made our way out past the lighthouse, and I noticed things were a bit choppy on Lake Michigan — and, yes, very chilly. I had expected this and dressed accordingly. With my PFD (personal flotation device) wrapped around my vest and jacket, I was quite comfortable.

As Deputy Fort turned the boat and stopped, taking station off the Badger’s starboard bow, the ferry passed by heading west to Manitowoc. With a blast of the boat’s horn and a return salute from the car ferry, they were on their way and we were on our way back to the dock in Ludington.

I had met with Deputy Fort at the Mason County Sheriff’s Office earlier in the week, on May 10, 2026, to discuss changes in the operation, whether in equipment, personnel or training. Fort mentioned that this year they will be able to enforce the harbor master rules for the City of Ludington.

Equipment had been readied for the season, and the 25-foot boat had received some painting and new decals. Last year, they replaced the motors on the boat, and this would be the first full year with those engines.

A couple of his deputies were not returning, as they had taken on other duties with county fire departments and elsewhere. In 2026, the unit will consist of Fort as officer in charge, reporting to Undersheriff Derrek Wilson. Serving with him will be Marine Deputies Tom Posma, Mark Willis, Mason Marrison, Steve Hansen and Steve Warners.

Fort mentioned, “We like two people on the boat if we can,” but with not enough part-time help, they are strained. They could use more part-time people.

I wondered if my wife would miss me if I started putting some time in with these guys. Anyone can mow the lawn; I could train her again. And the library we were building at home is done, so hey, what is the issue? And if you are along, you are there for the stories.

This is also the first year that the Sheriff’s Office has an agreement with the United States Coast Guard to use the Coast Guard station in Ludington, which has been out of service for years. This allows them a spot to dock, an office and restroom facilities. All of this makes their job on the lake a bit more comfortable and improves response time.

A few hours later, I met Fort and Marrison at the dock again as we prepared to bring the car ferry back into port and meet her well west of the piers. We were joined by Deputy Mark Willis, who was coming along. I had spent time with all three last season.

It had warmed up, but not by much, and there was a decent wind. As we exited the channel and approached the lighthouse to head out, I noticed the waves were considerable. Nothing for the ferry, but in a 25-foot boat we would definitely feel them.

I was trying to take pictures while perched in my seat as the boat rode over the waves. I asked Fort how large he gauged the waves.

“Oh, about four to five feet, with occasional seven-footers maybe. But they are not choppy. It’s sort of rolling, so that is not so bad.”

The boat did seem to be riding the waves nicely. I was actually enjoying the ride. Perhaps when you bounce around a bit, you pay less attention to the motion.

Finally, somewhat out of the haze, there was the Badger eastbound and heading our way. Fort maneuvered the 25-footer nicely between the waves and settled in far ahead of the ferry, waiting for them to close in on us.

The ride back toward Ludington, traveling eastward, was much easier, or so I found, because we were moving more with the wave action. As I sat in the back seat, I took pictures and video out of the back door of the boat. Not easy, but then again, that makes for some interesting footage.

Finally, just about on time, we cleared the piers with our charge right behind us, never getting too close. Fort watched that very carefully. Again, do not block his field of view. He did not say “move,” but you saw it in his eyes.

We made our way into the harbor and watched them dock the car ferry, then headed to the dock on Loomis Street.

I said my goodbyes to the three of them, knowing I will be down there often. Fort has a very nice group of people working around him, and Deputy Willis told me I need to get up the river with them.

It’s a deal, Deputy Willis. It’s a deal.

In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator,” I believe: “I’ll be back.”

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This Great Lakes Boat Blog is presented by Manistee Harbor Tours, operator of the Princess of Manistee. Book your cruise at www.manisteeharbortours.com.