Storey sheriff's seat draws inquiries but not many takers

Several people have inquired about the soon-to-be-vacant job of Storey County sheriff, but there were only two completed applications at the commissioner's office by Thursday afternoon despite an application deadline two working days away.

Marilou Walling, administrative officer to Storey County Board of Commissioners, said the two people who have turned in their résumés are former Elko County Sheriff Jim Miller, who served from 1980 to 1990, and Storey County Deputy Christopher Parsons, a 19-year law enforcement veteran. Walling said she's handed out more applications than she's taken in.

County commissioners will decide from the applicants who best fits their needs and appoint that person to the $58,930-a-year position.

Sheriff Pat Whitten was appointed by commissioners to the newly created position of administration and budget director. His last day is Tuesday.

Whitten, 51, has lived in Virginia City for 11 years and was elected sheriff in 1997.

Walling said the candidates must be 21 years old, live in Storey County, have no felony convictions in any state and be bondable. It's preferred the applicants have a background in law enforcement, but not a necessity. Prior to his successful run for sheriff in the town of about 2,000 voters, Whitten was a banker for 20 years.

Commissioner Bob Kershaw said if enough people apply, there may not be a decision made by Tuesday during a special meeting because each application has to be reviewed by each of the three commissioners.

"We do want to get somebody on board as soon as possible, but we also want to find the best candidate," he said.

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

Filling the sheriff's shoes

Required qualifications for Storey County sheriff:

Storey County resident, 21 years old, no felony convictions in any state, able to be bonded.

Preferred qualifications:

Employment background in law enforcement, budget/finance and personnel administration experience.

Resumes with letters of interest, along with a financial background summary, must be sent no later than Monday to the Storey County Commissioners Office, Personnel Department, Drawer D, Virginia City, NV 89440.