Marine Patrol Officer Jonathan Price has been named Marine Patrol Officer of the Year, according to a Mar. 30 announcement. Price, who patrols the waters of Albemarle Sound, will be honored at the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s 61st Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet on May 2 in Cary.
The award recognizes Price’s professionalism, strong work ethic, and dedication to conserving North Carolina’s marine resources. He grew up in Jamesville fishing and exploring the Roanoke River, developing an early appreciation for local marine life and a desire to protect it.
“I always wanted to be a game warden or something like that,” Price said.
After graduating from Riverside High School in 2014 and completing Basic Law Enforcement Training at Martin Community College in 2016, Price served over six years with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Marine Patrol in August 2023. “Since joining the Patrol, Officer Price has demonstrated exceptional performance,” said Marine Patrol Col. Chris Lee. “After completing field training, he consistently exercised sound judgment and thorough investigative practices.” Lee also said that over the past year, Price identified significant violations involving spotted seatrout, crabs, Spanish mackerel and sheepshead as well as gear, license and boating safety issues.
Price credits his success to enjoying his work: “Honestly, I just enjoy working,” he said. “My plan every day is to go to the boat and start looking. It works!” One case involving undersized crabs stands out for him; after learning about illegal harvesting through relationships with crab fishermen, he returned all undersized crabs to the water and cited several violators. “Protecting the crab fishery is a big thing for me because crabbing is the biggest commercial activity in my area,” he said.
In addition to enforcement duties, Price is certified with NC Marine Patrol Swift Water Rescue Team—having been deployed during Hurricane Helene—and has completed multiple professional development courses such as Land Search Field Team Training and ATV Search and Rescue Training. He now serves as a Field Training Officer responsible for preparing new officers for independent duty. Lee noted that Price has also played an important role in public outreach by assisting with educational events including launching a Junior Marine Patrol Academy on the Outer Banks.
Outside his official duties, Price enjoys running, fishing and spending time with his wife Kristin and their son Logan.
