Our Board
The 23-24 CBSOA Board of Directors is proud to serve our members!
President
Travis Vessells
I was born in La Jolla, Ca and moved to Orange County where I grew up and enjoyed playing baseball. I worked construction prior to being hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2003. After graduating the academy, I was assigned to the Colorado River Station and fell in love with boating. I began working boat patrol overtime a lot and was eventually assigned to the Marine enforcement unit in 2016. After two promotions, I am currently the Sergeant of the unit and enjoy teaching the boat accident class and inland boat operator class for Division of Boating and Waterways. I look forward to serving CBSOA members as President of the association.
Vice President
Billy Poe
I enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2000, 5 days after graduating high school. I was stationed in Alaska, North Carolina, Las Vegas and Phoenix. I specialized in munition systems/ordinance. In 2001, I deployed 6 weeks after 9/11 and was the first air combat command in country for operation enduring freedom. I Started my career in 2008 with Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to patrol, waterways, and dive team. I was hired by San Bernardino Country Sheriff’s Department in 2014 and was assigned to patrol, marine enforcement, and did 4 years on the dive team. During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to follow my passion to work the waterways of Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. My true passion is working the waterways, focusing on bui/dui investigation and I have made in excess of 500 arrests for bui/dui. I became an instructor for division of boating and waterways in 2016 for bui and 2017 for inland boat operator. I am currently the lead instructor for bui with Dbw. CBSOA is a great organization and I look forward to helping CBSOA continue to be successful for years to come.”
Secretary
Eric Blackard
Eric Blackard grew up going to the Colorado River with his parents and grand parents since a young age and the river has always been a special place to him. Eric started his law enforcement career in 2015 with San Bernardino County Sheriff's and his first assignment was to High Desert Detention Center. Eric transferred to patrol in 2016 and worked at the Victor Valley Station for two years. Eric transferred to the Colorado River Station in April of 2018 with no knowledge of the departments Marine Enforcement Unit. Eric began working overtime shifts on the Marine Enforcement Unit in the summer of 2019 and fell in love with it. Eric spent as much time as he could working with the Marine Enforcement Unit and signed up for all of the DBW training classes. In 2020, Eric went to the Marine Enforcement Unit as a full time Boating Deputy and Rescue Diver.In 2022, Eric was brought on by DBW as an instructor for Inland Boat Operator and Boat Accident Investigation Training. Eric led the state in 2020 and 2021 for the most BUI arrests and has received multiple MADD awards. Eric believes BUI enforcement is a critical part in keeping the waterways safe and the proactive response of their Marine Enforcement Unit has greatly impacted boater safety in their area.Eric is grateful to be the Training Director for CBSOA and looks forward to meeting people from different agencies to share knowledge and training. Eric believes networking is key to the future of marine enforcement and CBSOA is one of the best tools for it.
Treasurer
Braden Todaro
I grew up on the Central Coast in San Luis Obispo, California. Not long after graduating High School I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. My first assignment was aboard the USCG Cutter Sherman, a 378’ high endurance cuter. After numerous Bering Sea Patrols, a Persian Gulf deployment, circumnavigating the globe and Central and South American patrols, and numerous line crossing ceremonies I was assigned to the USCG Cutter Point Brower where I conducted Homeland Security Patrols in the San Francisco Bay. Following my assignment on the Point Brower I received orders to USCG Station San Francisco. At Station San Francisco I primarily conducted homeland security missions, search and rescue and recreational boating law enforcement. Shortly after being honorably discharged from the USCG, I was hired by the San Francisco Police Department. I began my career with the SFPD in the Tenderloin District, completed probation in the Ingleside District and then was assigned to the Taraval District. I transferred to the SFPD Marine Unit in 2015. At the SFPD Marine Unit we respond to a wide variety of calls and are responsible for the 64 square miles of water adjacent to San Francisco which includes the Farallon Islands. In 2019 I became a CBSOA Central Director and in 2020 I was appointed the Secretary for the organization. Being a member of CBSOA has allowed me to meet other boating safety professionals from around the state and expand my knowledge and experience in the process. The CBSOA is an amazing organization that has expanded boating safety for all and provided a wealth of resources for all the boating safety officers throughout the state.
Director at Large/ Scholarship lead
Tracy Hild
Tracy Hild, originally from Campbell California, moved to southern California in 1985 to attend Cal State Northridge on a swimming scholarship. She graduated in 1992 with a Liberal Arts degree and was going to be a teacher, but lifeguarding was her passion, so she decided to make a career out of it. She became a Los Angeles County Lake Lifeguard at Castaic Lake in 1987. In 1990 she promoted to Patrol Boat Officer/ Senior Lake Lifeguard and was trained in various Boating Safety Classes, PC 832, EMT, Incident Command and has her Vessel for Hire license. Tracy was a member of the Los Angeles County Dive team for 11 years and graduated as Outstanding graduate from the Los Angeles County's Underwater Instructor Candidate Course back in 1995. She continues to teach SCUBA to this day. Tracy moved up the ranks and was the first women Lake Manager at Castaic Lake. She oversaw all operations for the largest lake and recreation area in Los Angeles County. Tracy recently retired on February 22, 2022. She continues to consult with the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation as an Administrative Services Manager I. She continues to be actively involved in CBSOA and recently established the CBSOA scholarship program. Tracy was President of the LA County Lake Lifeguard Association for 6 years, where she represented lifeguard on labor issues, negotiated salaries and lobbied in Sacramento on various legislation issues. She was a member of CBSOA in the mid 1990's and has currently joined again to represent the Lake Lifeguard community and the inland water Boating Safety Officers. Tracy believes the CBSOA organization was developed to represent ALL agencies that work as Patrol Boat Operators: Police, Lifeguard, Fire Fighter or Coast Guard. Tracy has been on the CBSOA Board since 2016 and is proud to represent not only the Southern Section waters of CBSOA, but the whole organization.
Vendor Director
Officer William Kanada currently serves with the San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, where he leads and supports maritime law enforcement, safety operations, and interagency training efforts. With over 25 years of law enforcement experience across several agencies, Officer Kanada brings deep operational knowledge and a passion for public safety to his role.
Prior to joining SFPD, he served in the United States Coast Guard, with specialized assignments in the Sea Marshal Program and Investigative Office (IO shop for marine related accidents). A certified and longtime scuba diver, he also plays an active role on the SFPD’s Scuba Rescue Team, assisting with underwater search and recovery missions.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Officer Kanada is an avid boater, diver, and outdoor enthusiast, often found exploring California’s coastline and waterways. His hands-on experience on and under the water, combined with a strong commitment to safety, make him a trusted voice and effective leader in his role as Vendor Director for CBSOA, where he works to connect public safety professionals with the tools and partnerships they need to succeed.
Legislative Director
Doug Powell
Doug Powell served 8 years in the U.S. Army Infantry before attending the police academy in 1990 and joining the Contra Costa Sheriff Office. Doug has been involved in boating safety since 1998 when he was assigned to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Marine Unit where he served as a deputy, sergeant, and manager of the unit throughout his career. Doug became involved in California’s abandoned vessel issues and spear headed Contra Costa’s abandoned vessel Mooring and Sanitation ordinance that was responsible for the clean-up of miles of Contra Costa waterways, the ordinance became a model for northern California. Doug worked on several legislation bills making it easier to remove abandoned vessels in the State such as (V-TIP) California’s Vessel Turn in Program. Doug has been an instructor for the Division of Boating and Waterways teaching Accident Investigation, Boating under the Influence, and Inland Boat Officers Training.
Doug Co-Chaired the State Sheriff’s Boating and Watercraft Safety Committee and co-authored several successful boating safety bills for the California Legislature. Doug worked on California’s Mandatory Education Bill, which was highlighted in the Bay Area media, and selected for the (TAG) Technical Advisory Group for the new “vessel operator card”. Doug continued his efforts in boating safety and teaching till he retired in 2014.
Doug continues to work for the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol on a “Per Diem” basis, and teaching for DBW. Doug also proctors the California “For Hire License” program for the Division of Boating and Waterways. He works closely with commercial operators on inland waterways to insure they are operating in compliance with California Boating Regulations for the safety of passengers. Doug is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and holds a commercial 100 ton near costal license for the past 14 years. Doug serves in the appointed position of Legislative Director to insure CBSOA’s interests to promote Boating Safety in The State of California are being met.
Northern Director
Mark Levindofske
I began my law enforcement career in 1995 as a Reserve Deputy for the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. I became a full time Deputy in 1997.
I have worked in the Jail, Transportation, School Resource Officer, and Patrol. In 2007, I was promoted to Sergeant and worked as a Patrol Sergeant until 2013. I spent two years as the Detective Sergeant and
then returned to Patrol in 2015. In 2013, I attended the Boating Safety course and became one of our Boating Safety Officers. From 2013
– 2018, I worked with the Boating Unit on my days off when they needed additional help. I took over as the Boating Safety Unit Sergeant in 2019.
2023 I was elected as a Northern Director for the CBSOA. I am proud to be on the board and represent the Northern part of the state.
Northern Director
Chris Van Eyck
Born and raised in Redding, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento in 2009 and began my law enforcement career in 2011 with the Sheriff’s Office as an extra-help Boating Safety Officer. That same year, I transferred to the Custody Division as a Correctional Deputy.
In 2015, I attended and graduated from the Butte Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduation, I served at both the City of Shasta Lake and South County Patrol Stations.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in a variety of specialized units, including the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Dive Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Search and Rescue, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Team, and Field Training Officer (FTO) program. I also instruct Inland Boat Operations and Basic Accident Investigation for DBW.
In February 2022, I was promoted to Sergeant and initially assigned to the Burney Patrol Station before returning to the South County Patrol Station. For the past two years, I have served in the Boating Safety Unit and the Office of Emergency Services.
Executive Director
Aex Kahn
Alex Kahn grew up in the Channel Islands Harbor area. He grew up sailing water skiing and water ski racing on many of the California and Arizona waterways.
Alex started his law enforcement career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in 2006. As a deputy with San Bernardino, he worked in corrections, patrol, and in the aviation unit. "40 King!"
In 2016, Alex joined the Port of San Diego Harbor Police. With the Harbor Police he became a vessel instructor, boating accident investigator, a member of the dive team, a Bay Control Officer, and started a drone program. In 2019, he became an instructor with the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center.
Alex has been a member of CBSOA since 2022 and is honored to be elected as the Southern Director for CBSOA.
Central Director
Jacky Crachiola
I was born in Santa Rosa, Ca and grew up predominately in Ca with a short stint in Oregon as well. I enjoyed playing baseball and football in my youth and into Community College. I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in January 2010 as a Boatswain’s Mate. I continued to serve for over twelve years at various units and spent a deployment in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
During my reserve career I worked as an Electrician and Volunteer Firefighter prior to joining the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. After graduating from the academy, I worked as a Patrol Deputy prior to joining the Marine Unit as an alternate and later as a seasonal Marine Unit Deputy for the summer months. I am currently a full-time member of our Marine Unit.
I am proud and honored to have been elected your Central Director and I look forward to working and collaborating with all of you.
Central Director
Erik Olson
Erik Olson grew up in Napa California and earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Sonoma State University. He began his Law Enforcement career with the Napa County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 and transitioned to the Marine Unit in 2007, spending the next 5 years patrolling Lake Berryessa. In 2014, Erik began working a dual-purpose K9 named Chase in the contract city of American Canyon until his promotion to Sergeant in 2021. Shortly after promotion, he became the Off Highway Vehicle Team Supervisor and found his way back into the Marine Unit where he currently serves. Erik enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife Sara, and two girls. A Lifetime Member of CBSOA since 2016, he’s honored to serve on the board as your Central Director.
Southern Director
Tim Nancarrow
Tim was raised in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, where his lifelong passion for the water began. A competitive swimmer and water polo player in high school led him to pursue his first maritime position as a seasonal Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard in 1988.
In 1995, Tim joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he served for nearly 30 years. His various assignments included working on Catalina Island and serving nearly 15 years with the Harbor Patrol /Dive Unit. During his tenure with the Harbor Patrol Unit, Tim became a founding instructor at the Los Angeles Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (MLETC).
Tim holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Merchant Mariner Credential and is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Marine Law Enforcement Training Program.
Since retiring as a Sergeant from LASD in February 2024, Tim has continued his commitment to maritime safety. He has been hired back part-time by his department to work as an instructor at MLETC and support LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau’s boat operations. As Southern Director of the California Boating Safety Officers Association (CBSOA), Tim is dedicated to advancing inter-agency collaboration and promoting safe boating practices—always guided by the MLETC motto: “Semper Discentes – Always Learning Together.”
Southern Director
Justin Bacon
Hello! I’m Justin Bacon, a Deputy Sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Growing up surrounded by water, I developed a love for the river community that continues to inspire me every day. My journey in public service began in my teenage years as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where I discovered my passion for helping others and keeping our community safe through education.
In 2005, I took my commitment to safety a step further by becoming scuba certified and joining the Lake Havasu City Fire Department. During my time there, I became a hazmat operator specializing in Chlorine gas and radiological emergencies, technical rescue, arson investigator and swift water. There was no dive team for the fire department but went on myself and became dive rescue certified. I was promoted to Engineer in 2012 but decided I could do more.
In 2019, I joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and was assigned to the Needles Station on the Colorado River. Through continuing education and training, in 2022, I was offered to serve in the Marine Enforcement Unit as a boating officer and rescue diver.
I am proud to serve on the CBSOA board, as I strongly believe in the importance of education and training working together. Sharing knowledge and experiences with other agencies to better improve ourselves and the communities we serve. I’m proud to be part of a team that makes a difference every day.
