To the community,

I started this letter three weeks ago, but then decided not to get involved for two reasons. One, Sheriff (Ron) Pierini didn’t need my help, and two, the people of Douglas County are smart enough to see through (Dave) Brady’s negative campaigning. Then, a few days ago, I read a letter to the editor titled, “Ranchos not that safe,” and I felt it necessary to share my knowledge of Sheriff Ron Pierini.

I have spent over 40 years in Nevada law enforcement, and have lived in Minden since 1994 when my wife and I moved here from Carson City. I served with Carson City Sheriff’s Office for eight years, Nevada Division of Investigation 20 years (Tri-Net Narcotics Task Force 2½ years), and with Nevada Legislative Police 14 years.

I had the privilege of working with Sheriff Pierini when he started his law enforcement career with CCSO, and many times since then, and it is no coincidence that I chose to make my home in Douglas County. While with NDI, I was assigned to the major crimes unit. This assignment took me to every county in Nevada, and many other states as well, and I have seen firsthand the operations of almost every Nevada law enforcement agency over the past 30 years.

As a result of this experience, I can tell you that the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is one of the most highly respected law enforcement agencies in the state, due in large part to a dedicated, professional sheriff, and well trained and motivated command staff, supervisors and deputies. That is why 24 years ago I recommended to my son to if he wanted a career in law enforcement he should start with DCSO.

I have also had the privilege of working with Undersheriff Paul Howell while assigned to the TriNet Narcotics Task Force, and it is my opinion that you will not find a man more dedicated to this community than Undersheriff Howell. Sheriff Pierini and Undersheriff Howell have consistently demonstrated that they are fiscally responsible and prudent managers of the agency’s budget.

If the undersheriff and the sheriff say we need a new boat, then I trust we needed a new boat. I fish Lake Tahoe and Topaz several times a year. If I run into trouble, or one of Nevada’s tour boats runs into trouble I want to know we have the state of the art equipment ready to respond to any situation that may arise.

I see Undersheriff Howell’s purchase of a new patrol boat as an example of an agency that is being proactive, and looking out for the safety of the community. As a citizen of Douglas County I want to know that we can count on a rapid response from DCSO, and that that the deputies are working with equipment that is safe, and meets or exceeds the critical challenges of today.

Since 9-11, public safety operating budgets have increased significantly. This may be news to Brady and his supporters, but we do not live in the same world we did 10 or 20 years ago. All law enforcement agencies have had to make drastic changes to meet growing local needs, as well as the possibility of terrorism.

Douglas County has been very fortunate not to experience the same drug and gang problems that Clark County, Washoe County and even Carson City deal with on a regular basis. In his letter to the editor, the gentleman said “an armed robbery in Douglas County is a rarity”. Well, we have Sheriff Pierini and his deputies to thank for that. It shows me that they are doing a good job patrolling our communities. The crime rate in Douglas County is lower than many communities of similar size, and that is no coincidence. The deputies, and sheriff’s office staff has worked hard under Sheriff Perini’s Leadership to see to it that Douglas County is, and will continue to be a safe place to live.

Douglas County does not need change just for the sake of change; we see how well that worked at the national level. We already have one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated sheriff in the state, why trade down? We have the best man for the job right now and he has a proven record of leadership and success. I am proud of our law enforcement officers in Douglas County. We have a great sheriff, and I want to keep it that way.

Take a close look at the challenger, and compare his leadership and experience against that of our incumbent, Sheriff Piernini, and you will find that there is no comparison.

Robert Milby, lieutenant Nevada Division of Investigations (retired), first sergeant Nevada Army National Guard (retired), chief Nevada Legislative Police (retired)