Open house lets residents take peek behind the badge

Gardnerville residents Amanda Horning and her 3-year-old daughter, Amelia, pretended to canoe down a stream in a Search and Rescue boat at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Open House on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, 8-year-old Patrick Hildebrand climbed the side of a building and 6-year-old Cody Bishop and his family toured the jail at the Judicial Law Enforcement building. 

The families were exploring patrol vehicles and the special units’ equipment and services during the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Open House. 

“It’s really cool that they do this and for the kids to get accustomed to the resources, equipment and people who help save lives and keep our community safe,” said Horning. 

Sheriff Dan Coverley said the open house is an opportunity to showcase what the Sheriff’s Office does for Douglas County in a way that allows people to bring their families and experience what they can expect when there is a response to an emergency. 

“We bring out all our equipment and people get to get inside, they can jump on it, they can see actually what it’s like, not just seeing it drive by, and we encourage the opportunity to ask questions and show the public all the services we provide,” said Coverley. 

The event featured K-9 demonstrations, the Special Weapons and Tactics team, Bike Team, Motorcycle Unit, Sheriff’s Office vehicles, boats, Explorers, Search and Rescue, a jail walkthrough, and other special units and vehicles of the sheriff’s office. 

“I don’t think people really know about all the services we provide,” said Coverley. “The main thing is to let people know about what we’re all about and what we do for the community. It’s a chance for the community to meet us and learn more about those services.” 

The point of the event was not just for the Sheriff’s Office to showcase their resources and services, but to show many of the other different programs and support the community has, said Coverley. 

“There’s so much support here in the community, I really can’t stress that positive relationship we have,” he said. “We encourage and appreciate when the people come to us and ask questions and see us in a positive light.”