Carson sheriff prepared for influx of Broncos

From Wednesday to Saturday, Carson City residents could see Ford Broncos of various ages on city streets and in some areas off the pavement. While local leaders have been optimistic about Bronco Driver Magazine’s Bronco Super Celebration bringing a positive economic impact to the community, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office is ready for any issues that arise.

“This is another great opportunity to showcase our community as recreation-friendly for all sorts of outdoor activities,” Sheriff Ken Furlong said by email. “Just as when Carson City hosts its many car club events, drivers and commuters should be aware of the added vehicles on the roadways, often driven by folks not familiar with Carson City.”

As hundreds of Broncos are expected for the four-day event, Furlong said traffic congestion could be low to moderate around Mills Park, where the event is based, and South Carson Street between the Highway 50 intersection and Old Clear Creek Road.

“Even without hosted events, these areas can become very packed with commuter traffic,” Furlong said.

The event will also draw some Bronco enthusiasts to the off-highway vehicle trails on the south end of Prison Hill, a recreation area managed by the city. Visit Carson City worked with the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department to follow rules of the Prison Hill OHV area and cap the number of Broncos to 25 for each trip, twice a day over two days, Visit Carson City Executive Director David Peterson previously told the Appeal.

CCSO is prepared to handle situations in an off-road environment.

“One of the additional responsibilities of the traffic unit is OHV presence in the rural areas,” Furlong said.

CCSO Sgt. Matt Smith, supervisor of the traffic unit, said the department has a Polaris (RZR) and four dirt bikes for off-road patrols.

“This off-road vehicle (Polaris RZR) is primarily used for patrols in the rural areas of the county,” Smith said. “While patrolling with this vehicle, we look for stolen or abandoned vehicles, missing persons, illegal dumping sites, OHV crashes, illegal campsites and provide general education and safety materials to our fellow off-road enthusiasts.”

Smith said in the past, officers have discovered wanted individuals and missing or endangered persons during off-road patrols.

CCSO Search and Rescue, a volunteer team, can also be used for missing recreationists.

“Established in 1962, the Carson City Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team operates under the direction of Sheriff Ken Furlong and has been called out to search for lost people, locate downed aircraft, secure accident/crime scenes, assist neighboring agencies and participate in community events,” reads the team’s webpage.

If any Broncos get stuck on Prison Hill, Furlong said, “We’ll have to deal with what is dealt to us.” The National Weather Service has forecast clear and sunny weather through Saturday.

In nonemergency situations, members of the public can call CCCSO at 775-887-2677. For information about the Bronco event, visit https://visitcarsoncity.com/events/bronco-super-celebration.