Detective named top deputy for 2008

Carson City Sheriff's Department Detective Daniel Gonzales was named the department's Deputy of the Year, Sheriff Ken Furlong announced at the annual Christmas party last week.

"(Daniel) has been one to always put forth the strengths of this department by involving himself in every activity we promote, as well as being a great family man," said Furlong. "Be it criminal investigations, public speaking and education, or working directly with the youth of this community, he is one of our most consistent and professional talents walking these hallways and patrolling our streets."

Civilian Employee of the Year went to dispatcher Sarah Dawson.

"Sarah is a shining expert in public safety communications systems and involves herself in the community and department events with her huge smile and voluntary leadership encouragement. There is no challenge too difficult for her to confront," he said.

The Supervisor of the Year award went to Karin Mracek of the dispatch center.

"Karin has been with the department since Nov. 1, 1989, assigned to the Communications Division. She has witnessed and worked her entire career devoting herself to the best services to the public."

And the Volunteer of the Year was David Critchfield who works in the property vault.

"His expert and technical assistance in the property vault insures the highest respect and integrity of the criminal justice system in the preservation of property and criminal evidence," said Furlong.

The sheriff also noted that in recent months Ray Saylo was promoted to chief deputy upon the retirement of 27-year-veteran Steve Schuette.

Ken Sandage was promoted to the rank of captain and will be taking over supervision of the detective division. While former detective supervisor Lt. Bob White will be working patrol.

Sgt. Brian Humphrey is taking over the Special Operations units.

Jeff Melvin, who left the department a year ago as a sergeant to work full-time at his Gardnerville business with his wife, came back as a deputy and was recently promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Operations Patrol Division.