Carson City Sheriff’s Office, motorcycle community honor retiring Sgt. Mike Cullen on last day
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 02/10/2022 - 4:12pm
On Thursday, Carson City Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Cullen was celebrated on his last day before entering his retirement.
Sgt. Cullen has been a member of the Carson City Sheriff’s Office since 1994, and has been an integral part of the motorcycle division, CCSO Motors, and has helped build not only his local department, but is well known throughout the country as the forefront in motorcycle law enforcement.
“Mike has leadership qualities that extend far beyond the walls of this organization,” said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong. “He has been a fantastic icon in this area — and I say this area because it extends to Nevada, California, Utah, even as far as Canada.”
Many individuals spoke to Sgt. Cullen’s ability to ride, calling him the best rider in the country, bar none, but it appears his leadership ability is what most found to be his best quality.
All who spoke agreed that if Sgt. Cullen was nearby, they would all be coming home no matter the emergency.
“The investment in this town is a result of people like Mike,” said Furlong. “He has been a phenomenal resource for Carson City and the region. I think he would make an outstanding sheriff. He has all of the qualities, all of the leadership and knowledge to run a law enforcement organization.”
Sgt. Cullen thanked everyone for their kind words, and said at the end of the day, all he cared about was keeping everyone safe.
“The biggest thing is that I never wanted any of my guys to get hurt,” said Sgt. Cullen. “Sometimes I was mean or rough on some of you guys, because I didn’t want anybody to get hurt. It’s a tough job and you don’t get it unless you do it. The worst thing that can happen (in law enforcement) isn’t dying. The worst thing is something happening to your partner. I consider everybody my partner.”
“I love you guys,” added Sgt. Cullen. “I love this department; it’s my family and it’s hard to say goodbye. But it’s time.”
