Joe Fischer, David Petrowski and George Baughuin Honored at Mariner Awards Dinner

(Left to right) USCG Person of the Year petty officer Nathan Petrowski and Mariner Award winner Joe Fischer are pictured with a photo of posthumous award winner Butch Baudhuin during the Mariner Award dinner on July 28.

Figures in the rich maritime history of Door County, local Coast Guardsmen, and members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla were honored at the annual Mariner Awards Dinner at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club on July 28.

This year’s Mariner Award went to Joe Fischer, renowned naval architect and owner of Bay Engineering in Sturgeon Bay. The award recognizes a living nominee. Posthumous honors went to George “Butch” Baudhuin.

The Sturgeon Bay area Coast Guard Person of the Year award recognizes a local active duty Coast Guardsman who exemplifies the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. Petty Officer Third Class David Petrowski from the cutter Mobile Bay was the award recipient.

A special award was presented to Jerry and Kathy Haegele, volunteers with the local flotilla of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Haegeles were recognized for their volunteer efforts promoting boating safety, especially their operation of “Coastie.” Mayor Birmingham presented a proclamation declaring July 29, 2013, to be USCG Auxiliarists Jerry and Kathy Haegele Day. For more information visit dcmm.org.