RFC Byron Young with DNR’s Law Enforcement Section will be getting a new, high-tech piece of equipment on his Allatoona patrol boatalthough he hopes he never has to use it. Byron’s patrol boat will get a Humminbird 997c SI — HD Side Imaging Sonar Combo, a unit that retails for about $2,000, to be used to help locate drowning victims.

The top-of-the-line depthfinder was donated on May 23 during a press day hosted by TEAM Georgia and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that recognized National Safe Boating Week. Allatoona lineside guide Robert Eidson with First Bite Guide Service took donations and personally helped pay for  DNR’s new unit after he assisted in the drowning recovery of Dorian Royster, 16, of Marietta on March 25, 2007.  “I went to anglers and clients and asked (for donations),” said Robert. “I used my Web site, too, and we bought the unit with Lake Allatoona money.” Byron is from the Bartow County area and will finish his career in a patrol boat on Allatoona. “We have a depth gauge, but we don’t have a sonar,” said Byron. “When Robert found that out he said, ‘If y’all had something like that it would cut the time greatly.’ I said, ‘Yeah,’ and he stepped to the plate and got it done.”