Nevada Department of Public Safety names employees of the year
The Nevada Department of Public Safety honored its recipients of the 2014 employee awards Wednesday in Carson City. Here are the winners:
Supervisor of the Year was awarded to Sgt. Gary Smith of Capitol Police now NHP, in Carson City. This award recognizes the outstanding achievement and performance of one supervisor, civilian or sworn.
While assigned to the Capitol Police in the Southern Command, Sgt. Smith independently supervised nine employees, overseeing a 24/7 operation, covering over 26 properties belonging to the state. As a result of his leadership abilities, emotional intelligence, knowledge of human nature, and ability to recognize and resolve problems, Sgt. Smith was able to increase and maintain morale and gained the respect from his staff.
Through coaching and empowerment, the resulting turn around for the unit was astounding. Arrest and report statistics went to a level that was unprecedented for the division. Notably, stakeholders of the state facilities noticed the immediate change in the unit.
The Division Chief began receiving communications raving about the professionalism, the proactive nature of enforcement activities, and the general feeling of security which had been fostered under Sgt. Smith’s direction. In all of this, it is most impressive that Smith was able to achieve these successes with minimal guidance, having his closet supervisor hundreds of miles away in Carson City.
Since his reassignment to Carson City, Smith has demonstrated success as a supervisor in dealing with human resource issues, personnel challenges, and leadership as the operations supervisor. He has effectively performed all of these tasks with his own style of empathy as well as direct and personable communication, signaling that he cares and is dedicated not only to the organization, but understands the importance of the most important resource, people.
Civilian Employee of the Year are Jim Dibasilio and Susan Hohn, Budget Analyst IIIs, Director’s Office in Carson City. This award recognizes a civilian employee distinguished for outstanding achievement and performance.
This year we are honored to have co-recipients, as both employees proved to be immeasurable in their contributions to the Department. Both Jim and Sue were instrumental in developing the Department’s $410 million budget for the biennium.
Jim and Sue are truly the Department experts on fiscal processes of the state. Their roles quietly support each employee in accomplishing the missions of the Department. Their dedication was never-ending and because of Jim and Sue’s commitment, the budget process proceeded much smoother and with a high level of professional skill and oversight. We are honored to publicly recognize the quiet efforts of Jim and Sue.
Innovation Award goes to John Protain, DPS Officer II, NHP in Reno. This award recognizes an individual who has relatively or effectively promoted the use of future thinking and/or methodology that advances the Department’s ability to meet its mission.
John spearheaded a new bicycle safety operation in the Truckee Meadows area. This is the first of its kind for the Nevada Highway Patrol. Beyond his display of exceptional ingenuity, John has become grossly involved in this program from a variety of levels. He has been recognized for his efforts by the local Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and voted in as a member of this board. John has worked with local private bicyclist groups, related businesses, numerous troopers, NDOT managers, Traffic Incident coalition members and executives from the DPS, demonstrating collaboration and stakeholder involvement.
The local media has run numerous stories and articles related to John’s concept making great strides toward education of bicyclists and motorists. It was John’s idea which brought this very important public safety movement to life and it is John’s passion for the preservation of human life that continues to make this mission successful.
Sworn Employee of the Year is Jeffrey Musheno, DPS Officer II, Parole and Probation, Las Vegas. This award recognizes a sworn employee distinguished for outstanding achievement and performance.
Officer Musheno is assigned to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Repeat Offender Team (ROP). Since January 2014, Officer Musheno and the ROP team have cleared 185 Parole and Probation warrants. During this time, the ROP team has recovered 65 guns, filed significant amounts of new charges, and cleared a multitude of other warrants. He has made strides in advancing the Division’s relationship with local law enforcement agencies, and has placed the Division in a positive light. Officer Musheno assists other units within the LVMPD and received a commendation from their robbery unit for assisting and providing support during an operation.
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