Sheriff looking for volunteers to join reserve ranks

With the summer months coming and a variety of community events planned, the Carson City Sheriff's Department is looking to recruit reserve deputies to fill its dwindling volunteer ranks.

"The numbers are low right now because the city is hiring out of the reserves to be deputies, and others have gone on to do different things," said Sgt. Bob White.

The reserve force augments the law-enforcement function of the department, working in the jail and on patrol for special assignments. White said reserve deputies also staff the park during events and are the primary law-enforcement force working the crowd control on Nevada Day.

"If you're interested in a law-enforcement career this is a way to get your foot in the door. A number of the current full-time paid deputies got their start in the reserve ranks," he said. Most notable among those is Undersheriff Steve Albertsen who began his career as a reserve deputy for Carson City in 1978.

White said candidates will undergo a 220-hour academy beginning in June where they will cover a variety of topics related to law enforcement. They must also pass a background check, oral interview and physical agility test before they can be assigned to the unit. The minimum requirements to be a reserve deputy are candidates must be 21 years old, have no criminal record and have a high school diploma.

Anyone wishing to join should obtain an application from the front counter of the Sheriff's Department. For information call 887-2020.

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