Cheney honored by local law enforcement

The final call for badge No. 174 Dean Cheney came Friday morning as the former Warren Engine Company fireman and 48-year Carson City resident was laid to rest.

"All stations and units, Dean Cheney No. 174 is 10-7."

The call came during his memorial service, and all the police radios were turned up as it went out. The police code 10-7 means out of service.

The funeral procession was led by "old Car 54," the black and white Ormsby Sheriff's patrol car followed by the Warren Company Engine No. 1, which carried his flag draped coffin. An old black fire helmet bearing No. 1 was on top.

Modern law enforcement vehicles, including fire engines, police cars and motorcycles also made up the procession, leapfrogging from intersection to intersection to direct traffic for the funeral route.

Pastor Bryan Cuthill officiated. Rick James played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipe at the memorial and taps on trumpet at the graveside portion of the service.

Cheney was laid to rest with full military honors by the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Association.

Despite being partially paralyzed during a rescue effort when he was in his mid-30s Cheney maintained a cheerful attitude and was an inspiration to all who knew him, friends said.

Les Groth was chief of Warren Engine Company when Cheney joined in 1961. Groth described Cheney as very active and dedicated and nice besides.

"He was always in a pleasant mood, never saw him upset about anything, and that's one of the things that made him so special," Groth said.

"He always had a smile on his face."

Sheriff Kenny Furlong met Cheney after high school but knew of him even then.

"Cheney's leadership was well known. He stood beside everybody and his loss is a loss to the community," Furlong said.

"He was a hometown hero," said his daughter-in-law Jackie Cheney. "He's what community is all about."

Cheney owned and operated Carson Tire and Recap and was the founder of Sierra Ground Rescue, a volunteer fireman and deputized through the Carson City Sheriff's Department.

Cheney died May 29 at Carson-Tahoe Hospital. He was born Feb. 27, 1932, in Decatur, Ark. He was 71.

Among his survivors are his sons Gary Cheney of Seattle and Glen and Dale Cheney of Carson City; his daughter Sandra Verniel of Las Vegas and four grandchildren.