Woman named Carson sheriff's chief deputy

Bev Moltz has been named as the first female to serve as a chief deputy with the Carson City Sheriff's department, Sheriff Kenny Furlong said Sunday.

Moltz, 56, a 20-year veteran of the department, was sworn in Friday along with Wade Penegor, who took Moltz's lieutenant slot.

"I feel honored and privileged and very, very happy," she said Sunday.

Moltz takes over the chief deputy position left vacant by Rick Keema, who took a position with the state, Furlong said.

She will head the jail, civil, dispatch and records divisions of the department.

Penegor was promoted from the rank of sergeant and will move from patrol into the jail to be its supervisor.

With Penegor's move, Lt. Ken Sandage will head up patrol, Furlong said.

"These are strong moves. They are all very talented, enthusiastic and eager to take on their new roles in the sheriff's office," Furlong said. "They bring forward new ideas and programs they believe will be advantageous to the overall vision of the department."

Additionally, Furlong said, two new deputies have joined the force.

Jeff Scott, who volunteered as second in command of the reserve forces, and former reserve deputy Vince Morse, were sworn in Friday.

Both, Furlong said, completed the Peace Officers Standards Training Academy at their own expense.

"We're really glad to have them on board," he said. "The fact that both men worked with the reserves shows the community the value of training our reserve units."

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