Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 4:34 PM

Sheriff’s Office VIP’s looking for volunteers

Sheriff’s Office VIP’s looking for volunteers
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is looking for people to help with its Volunteers in Policing program.

The Sheriff’s VIP’s perform civilian duties such as VIN checks, serving nonconfrontational civil papers, doing property watches and volunteering during special events.

“We help the Sheriff’s Office because they’re understaffed and overworked,” said Gertrude Dubanski, the field services officer for Fernley.

No law enforcement experience is necessary, but applicants must pass a background check.

The VIPs perform duties around the county, but Dubanski said volunteers in Fernley are specifically needed, because a high percentage of the program’s work is in Fernley, but currently there are not enough volunteers in Fernley, so VIPs from Dayton typically have to drive across the county.

Most of the work involving VIN checks and serving papers is done from 8 a.m. to noon on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“It’s easier if a person is retired, but they don’t have to be,” Dubanski said.

She said most volunteers typically work two to four shifts per month.

Volunteers are provided shirts, baseball caps and jackets, and are asked to wear khaki pants with sturdy black shoes and a belt. Volunteers work in teams of two for safety and drive Sheriff’s Office auxiliary vehicles to perform their duties. VIPs are not allowed to carry weapons, but do carry phones and handheld radios.

“We would like people who communicate well because we represent the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Lyon County,” Dubanski said. “We are definitely helping the sheriff’s and the citizens of Lyon County at the same time so I find it to be a fun job and quite fulfilling.”

Anyone interested can apply at the Fernley substation.


Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

COMMENTS
Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson