Parole leader’s 46-year career concludes Monday

Bernie Curtis retires Monday as chief of the Parole and Probation Division, finishing out a law enforcement career that started in 1968.

Curtis was honored by more than 75 friends, colleagues and others at a retirement party Wednesday in the Old Assembly Chambers of the state Capitol.

“He has a helluva patch and badge collection,” said Public Safety Director Jim Wright, pointing to the list of law enforcement agencies Curtis has worked for over the years.

Curtis was presented with more than a half-dozen plaques and honors, including an official parole issued by Connie Bisbee, head of the state Parole Board, releasing him after six years as head of P&P.

“The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners do hereby release Bernard Curtis from lifetime supervision,” the framed document states.

After beginning at the Butte County Sheriff’s Department in California, he was undersheriff at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for more than 20 years and assistant sheriff in Carson City, and he briefly headed the Nevada Highway Patrol while still managing P&P.

Looking at the list, he quipped, “It’s been said before: I can’t keep a job.”