Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Dickey, a motor officer, prepares for a sharp turn on the training course at Mills Park during the annual Motor Officer Training Challenge on Thursday.
Photo by Scott Neuffer.
Associated with the open road, motorcycles have an aura of cool about them, but for officers participating in the 19th annual Motor Officer Training Challenge at Mills Park, they shouldn’t be handled without the appropriate level of skill.
“This is one of the hardest trainings I’ve ever done,” said Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Dickey.
On Thursday, Dickey was among dozens of officers at the three-day event, which is organized by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and draws motor officers from around the country. Training courses included braking patterns, sharp turns, and circles. Spirited competitions are expected to be held Saturday, weather permitting.
Originally from Bend, Ore., Dickey has been with the sheriff’s office for 16 years and just recently became a motor officer. She said it took her three attempts to earn her certification. On the second attempt, she crashed but didn’t give up.
“On my third try, I got it,” she said.
Dickey said motor officers respond to crashes, enforce traffic laws, and train other bikers how to ride. One of the most dangerous things a motor officer can do, she said, is guide a funeral procession through intersections.
“We don’t have a whole lot of armor around us,” she said. “This training sets up our ability to maneuver out in the real world.”
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Steven Valdez, who was riding a Harley Pan America, said he wanted to become a motor officer as soon as he got into the highway patrol. On Thursday, he was enjoying the camaraderie between departments the training provided.
“It’s one thing to do the job, but it’s another thing here – a whole skillset,” he said.
For Nevada Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Don Gibbs, who brought his Harley-Davidson Road Glide to the course, the training was personal.
“Ten to 12 percent of soldiers ride motorcycles,” he said. “Army-wide, motorcycles make up 30 percent of fatal accidents. We want to do whatever we can to make safer riders, to save soldiers.”
Many participants thanked the sheriff’s office for continuing to organize the program. Sheriff Ken Furlong himself is expected to compete with other officers Saturday.
