Balaam appointed Washoe sheriff

Dennis Balaam's appointment as Washoe County sheriff nearly got overshadowed by the arrival of his two newest grandchildren.

The tiny twins arrived on the same day he won unanimous approval from the Washoe County Board of Commissioners. On June 13, they appointed Balaam to serve as sheriff until Jan.1, 2003.

Balaam served at the Incline Village sheriff's substation from 1990 to 1994.

"I have a good feel for what's going on up at Incline," Balaam said. "I'm going to donate more time and come up there. Not to tell them what to do, but just lend support to the station there."

Balaam said he thinks it will be a smooth transition between himself and Sheriff Richard Kirkland since most of the programs they have going he put in place.

Balaam will complete the term of Kirkland, who resigned last month to accept an appointment as director of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety.

By state law, the commissioners had to appoint a sheriff because Kirkland's resignation occurred after April 15. The next election for sheriff is November 2002.

The reality of the situation is the key behind all leaders is the people behind them, he said, and all the staff in place remains unchanged.

He said it's been a long trail as he has dedicated more than 28 years to the Washoe County Sheriff's office and this is the last step.

The birth of his twin grandchildren was an added delight, he said.

"It was probably, at this stage anyway, I can say it was the best day of my life," Balaam said.

Jim Musick, commander of the sheriff's Incline substation said he was very pleased with Balaam's appointment.

"Sheriff Balaam is going to be a real asset to this community because he has actually lived here," Musick said. "He is aware of the issues and concerns of the residents of Incline. He knows what is important to them."

Born in Yerington, Balaam has served in the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for more than 28 years.

Both his son, Darin and his daughter-in-law, Heather, are deputies with the Washoe department.

Heather gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, on the night the announcement of Balaam's appointment was made.

Pat O'Hara, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said the twins were tiny, weighing only two and three-quarter pounds.

"They're doing great," he said.

Incline resident Shirley Dale, a member of the Citizen's Reponse Team for the County Sheriff, said Balaam endeared himself to the Incline community during his tenure at the Incline substation.

She also said Incline is dear to his heart.

He is well established in Washoe and in Northern Nevada which is important, Dale said.

"He's more than qualified for this position as sheriff and he's a very popular gentleman," Dale said. "And he's tough."