LIVINGSTON, TX, August 31, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rodney Rochon has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Rochon's distinguished career spans more than four decades and reflects a deep commitment to public safety, water rescue and maritime education. Since 2024, he has served as a lead instructor for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. In this capacity, he teaches police officers, firefighters and military personnel in small boat operations and search and rescue. He manages course curriculum, ensures student proficiency in practical boating maneuvers, such as docking, anchoring and escorting vessels and demonstrates expertise in both classroom and underway activities.
Additionally, Mr. Rochon has been an umpire for SCBUA/NCUA NW since 1974, contributing to the development of youth sports through high school baseball and softball as well as Little League. He has also worked as a water safety specialist and since 1988. He has been a licensed Small Passenger Vessel Captain for 11 years. His skills have been instrumental in supporting local agencies following changes in Coast Guard responsibilities after September 11, when police and fire departments began filling critical gaps in recreational boating search-and-rescue missions.
In addition, Mr. Rochon holds another current role, beginning in 1988, serving as a lead instructor at the Marine Law Enforcement School with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. In this role, he has overseen training programs that elevate standards for marine law enforcement across Washington state.
Mr. Rochon's previous tenure with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office from 1986 to 2018 marked a significant period in his professional journey. Rising to the rank of lieutenant, he specialized in search and rescue as well as traffic and water safety operations. His service included incident command responsibilities for boating, marine and air operations. He responded to major emergencies, such as a bridge collapse on Interstate 5, where he documented incidents for the National Transportation Safety Board, participated in extensive flood operations that required days away from home rescuing residents from hazardous conditions and responded to numerous drowning incidents — some involving children — which left lasting impressions on him.
One of Mr. Rochon's most impactful achievements was developing and teaching a water-safety education program for middle school students over five years. Through this initiative, eighth graders learned essential boating safety skills and earned their boating safety cards. He recalls with pride when one student demonstrated exceptional knowledge during an inspection by another officer, reciting the inspection form verbatim and earning commendation for her preparedness.
Mr. Rochon's expertise is supported by his numerous professional affiliations. These include serving as former president and vice president of the Washington State Boating Safety Officers Association and membership in the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Boat Owners Association of the United States, Snohomish County Safe Kids and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.
Mr. Rochon's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management from the University of San Francisco in 1980. He furthered his expertise with a certification in criminal justice and police science from Northwestern University in 2001. He also holds both a Coast Guard captain's license and a mate endorsement, which have been foundational to his maritime instruction career.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Rochon attributes much of his success to the support of his family, particularly his wife's understanding during long absences required by emergency operations. The influence of his father, a retired Army first sergeant, instilled in him a philosophy centered on caring for others — especially those performing challenging work or facing hardship — which has guided his approach throughout his career.
Mr. Rochon became involved in maritime safety after growing up around boats under the guidance of his father and uncles. His professional path began with service in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he responded to pollution spills, sailed Alaskan waters, enforced fisheries regulations and assisted commercial fishermen in distress — experiences that remain among his proudest achievements.
Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Rochon is active in civic organizations like Safe Kids Snohomish County through Safe Kids Worldwide, where he serves as program coordinator focused on injury prevention initiatives for children. His volunteerism extends to umpiring youth baseball and softball games at both high school and Little League levels.
Mr. Rochon's exemplary service has been recognized with several honors, including the Coast Guard Humanitarian Service Medal from the United States Coast Guard, the Boating Officer Friendly Award from Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Snohomish County DUI Task Force, certificates of merit from Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, the C.J. Mitchell lifetime achievement award and the Washington Officials Association Meritorious Service award for umpiring. He has also received letters of appreciation from both the United States Coast Guard and Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.
Born in Presidio, San Francisco, Mr. Rochon enjoys spending time with his family — including four sons and six grandchildren — traveling together in their RV to visit minor league baseball fields, national parks and friends across the country. He finds joy watching baseball games, playing with boats and dogs and sharing outdoor adventures with loved ones.
Looking ahead, Mr. Rochon remains dedicated to advancing boating safety by training others to address critical issues on the water. His foremost goal is reducing preventable fatalities through education and awareness initiatives that emphasize life jacket use and vigilance regarding weather conditions — two actions he believes would save countless lives each year. He also encourages people to enjoy their time on the water fully prepared, with sufficient fuel, food and supplies for a safe and enjoyable outing. Above all, he hopes they return home safely, having used nearly all their fuel and emptied their cooler, with lasting memories and the opportunity to plan their next adventure.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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