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Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:46 AM

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.


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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment 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 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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