SILVER DOLLARS AND WOODEN NICKELS: Unsung heroes in state safety

The Nevada Appeal’s Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels feature recognizes achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out other acts that missed the mark.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the five individuals who were honored last week for their work with the Nevada Department of Public Safety, including three who have worked in Carson City. Gary Smith, who served as a sergeant with the Capitol Police in Carson City and has moved on to serve with the Nevada Highway Patrol in Reno, was honored with the Outstanding Service Award.

Jim Dibasilio and Susan Hohn, who are budget analysts with the directors office in Carson City were honored as the Civilian Employees of the Year. Trooper John Protain received the Innovation Award.

And Jeff Mushene received the Sworn Employee of the Year for his work in the Repeat Offenders program in which he works with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police in tracking parole and probation offenders.

SILVER DOLLAR: To Gregory Smith, who recently retired after serving 29 years with the state’s Corrections Department. Smith served as the Nevada State Prison’s last warden and had the uneviable task of overseeing its closure in 2012.

SILVER DOLLAR: To all those involved in last week’s Relay For Life for cancer research held at Fuji Park.