Letter: Sheriff Perini is the leader we need at DCSO

With the race for Douglas County Sheriff nearing an end I would like to offer the following observations:

First, I have repeatedly heard that Dave Brady wants to cut the volunteer programs, calling them “non-essential.” I am one of the 200+ volunteers currently serving the Sheriff’s Office; I am a Citizen Patrol officer. By being able to recruit, train and retain people that are willing to donate their time Sheriff Pierini saves Douglas County taxpayers approximately one million dollars per year. The various volunteer services allow the sworn deputies to devote their attention to real-time public safety. I cannot understand why Mr. Brady would want to eliminate programs that do so much good and save so much money.

Second, Mr. Brady has constantly hammered his point that we are not safe in Douglas County because of the ineptitude of Sheriff Pierini. This is absurd. Sheriff Pierini is one of the most competent head of a law enforcement agency I have ever known…and I’ve known several. He is highly trained (as is his entire department) and possesses great acumen as a street cop and as an administrator. I believe his deep and abiding love for, and dedication to, the residents of Douglas County are what drive him. I’ve been greatly impressed by his proactive approach to crime deterrence and prevention, and his aggressive approach toward gang activity is an excellent example. Recently I heard someone say that we have a gang problem here because they saw some graffiti on a wall. I spent a lot of time investigating gang-related homicides in Phoenix before retiring and returning home to the Carson Valley. I can assure all that we do not have a “gang problem” here.

Third, Mr. Brady has said that DCSO should reduce salaries and benefits of command staff and raise salaries and benefits of officers. How? DCSO has nothing to do with these items. They are set by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Brady was a commissioner for six years. Does he not know this?

Finally, Mr. Brady wears a DCSO uniform in his campaign ads as if he is still affiliated with and endorsed by the Sheriff’s Office. He also has a DCSO badge emblazoned on his posters and website. I find that to be manipulative, disrespectful and at the very least a gross misdemeanor for impersonating a law enforcement officer.

I have seen first-hand the high quality of leadership exhibited by not only Sheriff Pierini but his entire command staff. The morale in this department is incredibly high, and the dedication and professionalism are a reflection of the Sheriff. For months we have heard Mr. Brady deliver a message: in him lies “hope” for the uninformed, huddled masses of Douglas County, and he will save us by bringing “change” to the Sheriff’s Office. Personally, I have had enough “hope and change” lately to last a lifetime.

- Tom Martel