WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its bi-annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 29, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the Washoe County Board of Commissioners Chambers, located at 1001 E. 9th Street Building A, Reno.
Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger, on behalf of Sheriff Michael Haley, will honor both commissioned and professional personnel, along with citizens and representatives from other respective law enforcement agencies, for their heroism, professionalism and commitment to our community.
Awards include Letters of Commendation, Vincent Swinney Medal of Excellence, Lifesaving Medal, Sheriff’s Star, Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Medal of Valor.
Listed below are award descriptions. Recipients are shown in the linked program.
VINCENT SWINNEY AWARD: awarded to those who, by their actions, have provided the Washoe County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue program with exemplary service through leadership, volunteer service, and/or introduced programs and techniques to Search and Rescue that significantly contribute to the statutory mandate of the Sheriff to preserve life and property, all of which is clearly beyond normal expectations.
LIFESAVING MEDAL: Is awarded to members who act to save or preserve a life, or lives, that would otherwise have expired without the direct actions taken by that member.
SHERIFF’S STAR: At the discretion of the Sheriff is awarded to WCSO members or those outside the agency who, by their actions, have demonstrated conduct that is clearly beyond normal expectations.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL: Is awarded to members who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in assigned duties with loyalty and dedication over a prolonged period.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL: Awarded to members of this Office who, while acting in an official capacity, perform superior accomplishments that result in significant contributions to the efficient operation of the Office and/or the good of the community.
MEDAL OF VALOR: Is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism performed at personal risk of life or limb. These acts shall demonstrate great courage while facing extreme danger, but to a lesser degree than required for the Medal of Honor.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.
