Pierini announces third bid for election

Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini announced Tuesday he is running for a third term.

"The energy I have for this position continues to grow because of the support I continue to receive from the Douglas County residents," Pierini said in a statement.

"Our department is well-managed and I have the very best law enforcement personnel anyone could ask for," Pierini said. "I am looking forward to serving another four years and I will continue to provide the very best law enforcement services possible."

Pierini, 54, has 30 years with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office including eight years as sheriff. He was promoted through the ranks including deputy, lieutenant, captain and undersheriff.

Six months ago, Pierini submitted a 5-year plan to county commissioners detailing how many additional personnel the department will need based on court decisions, calls for service, personnel safety concerns and population.

To date, the commissioners have increased the staff by six.

He set as a goal an update of the department's 20-year-old computerized records program and expansion of the 25-year-old jail.

"Additional bed space must be planned for," Pierini said. "During last summer, 115 inmates were being housed in two jail facilities. With the increase of arrestees, the expansion of the jail is vitally important. Plans have started and hopefully, in the near future, construction will begin."

Pierini has adopted a "zero tolerance" policy on gang involvement in Douglas County and strict enforcement of narcotics trafficking laws.

He has been involved in youth drug and gang educational programs and provided programs for senior residents to approve the quality of life.

He is a member of the Domestic Violence Task force and is active in providing resources to assist victims and prosecute violators.

He has received several federal and state grants for technology, training and education for personnel.

Pierini earned a bachelor of arts degree in administration of criminal justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has an executive certificate from the Nevada Peace Officers' Standard and Training Commission.

Pierini is president of the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association and serves on the Nevada Peace Officers' Standard and Training commission, the Nevada Amber Alert Advisory Council, the federal Rural Law Enforcement Technology Advisory Council, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Volunteers of Police Service Council.

Pierini also is active in community organizations.

He is a member of the International Foot Printers, Carson Valley Kiwanis Club, Tahoe-Douglas Rotary Club, the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge.

He has received several community awards including Carson Valley Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award, and citizen of the year awards from Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge, Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club. He also was awarded the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award.