Date: April 17, 2026
Subject: Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department Launch Joint River Patrol Unit
Release Number: 2026-NR-0417
Contact: Sheriff Noah Robinson
Authority: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department officially unveiled and launched their new Joint River Patrol Unit this morning, Friday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Evansville Dress Plaza.
This joint initiative marked a significant step forward in public safety, reestablishing a dedicated law enforcement presence on the Ohio River for the first time in more than 25 years for the Sheriff’s Office. The patrol will cover approximately 36 miles of shoreline within Vanderburgh County, including the Port of Evansville, while also providing assistance to neighboring jurisdictions as needed.
The patrol vessel, named Riverwolf, was partially funded through grant dollars made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security partners. In addition, an Indiana Department of Natural Resources grant will cover overtime costs associated with staffing the unit. The vessel’s name serves as a tribute to Charlie Wolfinger, a former Special Deputy who was a familiar and respected presence on the river throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. The naming of Riverwolf honors his legacy and dedicated service to the community.
This initiative was made possible in large part thanks to the efforts of Rob Henson, who first suggested reviving the river patrol program and played a key role in writing the grant that helped bring the project to fruition.
The Joint River Patrol Unit will be staffed by a collaborative team of approximately 18 personnel, including nine members from the Sheriff’s Office, led by a supervising Sergeant and supported by a part-time Special Deputy, and approximately nine officers from the Evansville Police Department.
The unit will maintain a consistent and visible presence throughout the boating season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, operating every weekend. The vessel will also be deployed during summer holidays, special events, and as needed for law enforcement operations, escorts, and targeted patrols.
Personnel assigned to the unit have undergone extensive preparation, including training with Indiana Conservation Officers on boating enforcement, as well as joint water operations training with regional partners such as Louisville Metro Police and Jeffersonville Police Department. Additional collaboration has included exercises with Perry and Marrs Township Fire Departments. In May 2026, Vanderburgh County will host the NASBLA Tactical Boat Operator Course, further strengthening operational readiness.
The mission emphasizes a proactive philosophy behind the initiative: presence is prevention. By maintaining a strong and visible law enforcement presence on the water, the agencies aim to deter criminal activity, improve boater safety, and ensure a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office also extends its sincere appreciation to Mayor Stephanie Terry for her assistance in christening the vessel with expertise. In a uniquely local touch, Mayor Terry used a bottle of Ski during the christening ceremony, helping make the launch both memorable and distinctly Evansville. Special thanks are also extended to Evansville Fire Department Chief Tony Knight, Vanderburgh County Fire Department Chief Adam Farrar, and County Commissioner Mike Goebel for attending and supporting this important initiative.
Charlie Wolfinger
Charlie Wolfinger
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