Highway Patrol appoints new voice to local office

When it comes to his job, State Trooper Blair Harkleroad is cruising down another avenue.

He was recently appointed as the public information officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol's Carson City substation -- a division of the state Department of Public Safety.

It's a job he's happy to have.

"I like people. I really like to talk with people," said the 28-year-old.

Harkleroad, a 1995 graduate of McQueen High School in Reno, joined the NHP in 1996, a year after he enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard.

He is now a motor officer, with the extra duty of public information.

As public information officer, Harkleroad is responsible for talking with the media about accidents and events that happen in the Carson-Tahoe area.

Accidents are an unfortunate part of the job, Harkleroad said.

With his new appointment, he'll be called out on nearly every serious-injury accident in the area.

"Its tough, but you try not to take it home with you. What happens at work, happens at work," he said.

He has always wanted to be in law enforcement, he said, ever since he was a Reno Police Department Explorer in high school.

The best part of his job?

"People. Just talking to people," he said.

The worst part?

"The hours can be tough."

Married since 2000 to Julie, a Carson City district court clerk, Harkleroad said he doesn't plan to stop anytime soon.

"I love the job. This is a very professional agency," he said. "I look forward to coming to work everyday,"