Carson City fetes fire personnel for Howell help

Carson City Fire Department personnel were honored Thursday for having the back of the Sheriff’s Office when and after Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell died in an Aug. 15 shootout.

The recognition came as the Board of Supervisors began its day’s work. The ceremony included a plaque honoring at least 17 fire and emergency response personnel, which was accepted by Capt. Dan Albee, head of the Honor Guard, on behalf of all of them. Chief Bob Shreihans, Mayor Robert Crowell and Sheriff Ken Furlong were among those providing brief remarks.

“We just wanted to make sure that these guys are honored,” said Schreihans.

“We’re so proud of you; we can’t thank you enough,” Crowell said. He tried to pass a hand-held microphone to Albee so he could talk, but Albee just gestured he didn’t need to say anything as his colleagues flanked him.

The sheriff said Deputy Howell made “an amazing response” when he was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Jonathon Pope, who also was killed, after Howell arrived at a domestic disturbance call. Furlong said the work of fellow public safety personnel was appreciated. Fire personnel were among the first responders at the scene and helped handle various necessary details in following days.

“I obviously couldn’t agree more with the chief,” Furlong said. “It was a long week for us.”

Schreihans said among those being honored were the responders, the Honor Guard personnel and others who prepared fire department equipment involved in the procession to Reno where services were performed for Deputy Howell on Aug. 20.

Crowell and his colleagues on the board on hand Thursday offered other comments.

“These things do touch every one of us,” said the mayor.

Supervisor Brad Bonkowski said it was comforting in times like this and during the 2011 IHOP slayings “to know you’re here.”

Supervisor Jim Shirk joined in, calling Howell a hero and also thanking the people of Carson City for lining the streets during the procession. Supervisor Lori Bagwell said it had all been said, just adding, “thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

After the ceremony, Furlong included Carson City’s Public Works Department personnel in his thank you. He said it had been with his office “every step of the way” and thanked the department for being “one of those tremendous soldiers standing right with us.”