Volunteer reservists sworn in by sheriff

Fourteen reserve deputies were sworn in Friday by Sheriff Kenny Furlong, tripling the number of reservists volunteering in the Carson City Sheriff's Department.

"The image of the department has changed, and there's been a real desire from people to be a part of it," Furlong said.

Eleven uniform reserve officers, two mounted reserve deputies and one search-and-rescue member were sworn in by during a ceremony in the Sierra Room of the Community Center. The reservists bring the total number to 24, compared to seven reserve deputies last year.

Reserve deputies are used by the Sheriff's Department to provide security during special events. They also run the Santa Program during December.

"The value added to the department is immeasurable," Furlong said. "I put an extremely high value on the reserve staff."

Furlong said a number of the new reservists are post trained and have full certification.

"Many of these could be hired," he said.

In addition to event security, Furlong said the reserve deputies help with traffic and bolster staffing in places such as the jail, as needed.

"To the public, the reservist is no different than a paid deputy, but their contribution is very often overlooked," he said. "These are folks that jump in at a moment's notice and put themselves on the front line because they want to be there. We are elated."

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.