Washoe picks Balaam as sheriff

RENO - The Washoe County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Dennis Balaam sheriff until January 2003.

Balaam will finish Dick Kirkland's term. He left to become director of the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety.

Ordinarily, a vacancy must be filled at the next general election, which would be in November. But Kirkland announced his resignation after the deadline to put the position before voters this year. He said at the time his support of Balaam had nothing to do with the timing of his decision to resign.

Balaam has been with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office more than 28 years, beginning as a reserve deputy in 1971. He was undersheriff under Kirkland.

"My commitment to the citizens of Washoe County is to continue to provide excellent public safety and carry on the effective programs already in place while striving to improve," said Balaam.

Commission Chairman Ted Short said Balaam was the most qualified in a field of highly qualified candidates.