Pyramid Lake police officer killed following chase

The law enforcement officer killed Friday, Aug. 25 has been identified by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe as Anthony Francone, who served for a short time in Churchill County.

PLPT Chairman James Phoenix issued a statement on social media Saturday confirming the death of an officer.

According to news reports, Francone was hit by a vehicle after a chase with a suspect on State Route 446 about 7 p.m. Friday. The suspect was shot at the scene.

“The FBI is assisting multiple law enforcement agencies related to an officer involved shooting which has unfortunately resulted in the death of two people, including one law enforcement officer,” the PLPT said. “At this time we are unable to provide additional information, or the names of the victims pending proper notification of family members.”

The Lahontan Valley News learned Sunday night Francone was employed by the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribal Police in 2019.

The Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribal Police issued a statement on social media upon Francone’s death.

“Officer Francone served the Fallon-Paiute Shoshone community well in his time here. He will be missed. We pray for his family and wish him well on his journey. Rest in Peace, Brother.”

After Fallon, Francone accepted an offer from the Washoe Tribal Police Department and then left for Pyramid Lake.

Several agencies posted tributes to Francone.

“Last night the news of a hero having been struck and killed while serving and protecting his community ran through the law enforcement family, leaving in its wake heartache, sadness and a temporary hole in that thin blue line,” said Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox. “The hole left in that line by this tragic death will be filled by his brothers and sisters as we take the watch and carry on the mission to protect and serve.”

Hickox said Francone answered that call and responded.

“He responded on behalf of all of us and we are in his debt,” Hickox said. “Rest in peace good sir; we will carry it from here.”

The Storey County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that Francone served for more than a decade in the rank of deputy and corporal. During that time, he was honored for his bravery, his duty to protect the public, and his fellow officers. While with Storey County, Francone was the agency’s top traffic enforcement officer and was the department’s primary RADAR instructor, lead accident investigator and field training officer.

“Anthony’s humor was definitely one of his greatest qualities and he always had a way of making people laugh regardless of the situation,” the Storey County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook. “Anthony loved his family and was very proud to be a law enforcement officer.”

The Eureka County Sheriff’s Office said Francone served for several years before moving west due to family.

“Anthony Francone worked in both Eureka and Crescent Valley had a passion for traffic safety and loved the communities he served,” the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam also extended condolences.

“The loss of our friend and colleague is deeply impacting and tragic for our community,” Balaam said. “Anthony served our region for over 25 years and has given the ultimate sacrifice for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones.”

Robert Perea reported for The Fernley Reporter. Steve Ranson reported for the Lahontan Valley News.