Jail gets new sergeant

A 15-year veteran of the Carson City Sheriff's Department was promoted to the rank of sergeant during a ceremony Thursday.

Ken Steel, 38, will be one of two swing-shift and six total sergeants working in the Carson City Jail. He is filling the spot left vacant by the retirement of Sgt. Rod King.

In January, after jail Lt. Wade Penegor was injured in an off-duty accident and Sgt. Bob Gauchy took over as acting lieutenant, Steel took over as acting sergeant.

The transition for Steel to the real thing was an easy fit said Sheriff Kenny Furlong.

"When we placed Steel in the acting position, his performance and his professionalism far exceeded our expectations. He is diligent on the job and he truly cares about his employees and the inmates. I was so impressed with his performance," Furlong said. "I've never been a big fan of acting positions, but Steel really proved the power of one."

Unlike a majority of deputies on the force, Steel has spent his entire career within the confines of the jail.

When queried on whether he has an itch to try out patrol, the married father of a daughter and twin sons said he's happy where he is.

"This is as important as any other division in the department," he said. "I really enjoy my job here."

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.