(WDNews) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is celebrating one of its own. Senior Trooper Jacob Manning of ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division has been named the 2025 Southern Region Officer of the Year by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
This national honor recognizes Manning’s dedication to boater safety, exceptional service, and leadership in marine law enforcement.
“Sr. Trooper Manning exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose and passion,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “His unwavering dedication to protecting the public, both through enforcement and education, has not only saved lives on Alabama’s waterways but has also strengthened our Agency and its mission.”
In 2024, Manning conducted 507 vessel inspections, issued 268 citations and 505 warnings, and made 24 Boating Under the Influence arrests—accounting for over one-third of the state’s total BUI arrests that year. His work helped Alabama reach its lowest boating fatality rate in 20 years.
One of Manning’s most notable actions came on October 16, 2024, when he and Sr. Trooper Kenneth Wade rescued four individuals from a capsized vessel in rough conditions in Perdido Bay. For his heroism, Manning received ALEA’s Lifesaving Award and was named the Alabama State Trooper Association’s Trooper of the Year.
“Sr. Trooper Manning’s ability to stay calm under pressure and act decisively in high-stakes situations speaks volumes about his character and training,” said ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director, Colonel Jonathan Archer. “He leads by example, not only in enforcement but in his commitment to education and prevention. His impact is felt far beyond the waters he patrols.”
Manning also invests heavily in education, logging over 200 hours teaching boating safety courses and speaking at schools and public events. He continues to lead outreach efforts like the Boat Alabama course and an annual meeting with Baldwin County livery operators to address rental boat challenges.
“Jacob Manning is the type of Trooper every supervisor hopes for—someone who works hard, mentors others, builds relationships in the community and never stops pushing to improve safety,” said Chief of ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division, Matt Brooks. “His knowledge, leadership and dedication make him a tremendous asset not just to ALEA, but to all who enjoy Alabama’s waterways.”
Manning also serves as a NASBLA BUI Instructor, working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard in joint operations to curb boating under the influence and illegal trafficking. His service earned him a spot representing ALEA at the 60th Presidential Inauguration in January 2025.
The NASBLA honor places him among the nation’s top boating law officers. Manning will be officially recognized at the 66th Annual NASBLA Conference this September in Des Moines, Iowa, where the National Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year will be announced.
The agency praised Manning for “setting a high standard in the field of marine law enforcement,” calling the recognition “not only a personal achievement, but a proud moment for the entire state of Alabama.”
