Carson City Sheriff’s Deputy Howell posthumously recognized at award ceremony

This week the Carson City Sheriff's Office recognized its outstanding performers for 2015. Each received a plaque and cash award for their contributions to the department and the community.
Of the five nomination categories, one name stood out for nomination for Deputy of the year, Deputy Carl Howell who was killed in the line of duty Aug. 15, 2015.

After much discussion it was apparent that Deputy Howell could not be honored solely as Deputy of the Year but as a result of his sacrifice and dedication through the years and that he was deserving of something more.

We felt Deputy Howell should be placed outside the listed categories and that his many achievements during his career at the sheriff’s office should not be focused on an award but instead a dedication to his memory be made and set in a place of honor.

Deputy Howell made an enduring commitment to the Sheriff’s Office, to serve the good people of Carson City and to his chosen profession as a peace officer.

During his career, Deputy Howell held many positions in this agency, however, Carl felt most privileged to be a member of the Honor Guard. It gave him a sense of pride and honor to be representing this department at the funerals of fellow officers who had sacrificed so much in the line of duty.

Perhaps he said it best with one of his last Facebook postings:
I WAS BORN FOR THIS.
I WILL LIVE FOR THIS.
I WOULD DIE FOR THIS.

We will never forget the sacrifice that Deputy Howell made to protect the citizens of this community, nor will we forget him as our friend and brother.

Volunteer of the Year: Shirley Gibson
One person wrote: I would like to nominate Shirley Gibson because she is an active learner amongst the VIPS, she did not hesitate to step in for the untimely passing of Pat Delaney, she also volunteers at the jail and she is a great asset to the VIPS teams and Sheriff’s Office.

Another person wrote: Shirley never hesitates in assisting wherever needed. She is one of the “go-to” volunteers and is very knowledgeable with the front counter and in the jail. Shirley schedules the appointments for visitation and gives up some of her Sundays coordinating the visitations in the jail. Shirley always has a positive attitude and is very pleasant to work with.

Team of the Year: Dispatch
One person wrote: This group of highly dedicated men and women are always giving their all for the community and officers in the field. We take phone calls, give pre-arrival instructions, dispatch units, run people, vehicles, articles, guns, enter warrants, missing people, stolen property and vehicles, validate warrants all at the same time. We listen to people that are having the worse day of their life, we listen to their complaints and fears and sometimes their anger. We have to see what is going on with our ears and have to act on it in a split second. It is a great responsibility that sometimes weighs heavily on the dispatchers to have the lives of the officers and the public in our hands. We are trapped in our chairs with only our words and voices to help those who need us and we alway wish that we could do more.

Another wrote: I would like to nominate Dispatch for the Team Award. Every time I speak to anyone at Dispatch I am always treated courteously. Every time I need assistance with locations or to see if something has been served, anything I need, they are always willing to assist me in a friendly manner. It is a pleasured working with everyone on that team.

Civilian Employee of the Year: Jason Olson
One person wrote: I would like to nominate Jason Olson for his hard work and dedication while performing his duties as criminalist with the Carson City Crime Lab. Jason Olson has consistently provided/developed finger print evidence in cases being investigated by patrol and detectives. Jason has provided evidence responsible for solving multiple crimes and cases. Jason Olson responds to crime scenes to assist in cases both during his normal working hours and when he is off and does so without hesitation. Jason Olson is well versed in his job and provides much knowledge in crime scene investigation and techniques.

Another person wrote: I want to take this opportunity to nominate Jason Olson, for Civilian Employee of the Year. Though Jason has only been employed by the Department for almost a year and a half, he has been instrumental in solving or clearing at least 35 cases, in the last year through Latent Print evidence gathered at scenes or in the Lab from evidence. By obtaining Latent Prints from evidence, Jason was able to identify the suspects in these cases by imputing the Latent amount of cases that have been solved/cleared through Latent Print Identifications in many years. All detectives from the Investigations division also support the nomination of Jason Olson as Civilian Employee of the Year.

Another person wrote: Jason is relatively new to the crime lab and his enthusiasm is refreshing. He sees each cases as a challenge and makes every effort to make the case through forensics. He has a nice base of knowledge and demonstrates expertise when called upon. His energy and enthusiasm, coupled with a very good attitude, make for a very positive influence for those who work around him. He is also quick to give credit to those who do a good job and make his efforts successful.

And still yet another person wrote: Jason has returned repeated fingerprint matches this year resulting in the identification and arrest of several suspects. Jason also responds to scenes after hours to complete his portion of the investigation in a timely fashion.

Supervisor of the Year: Lt. Brian Humphrey
One person wrote: I would like to nominate Lt. Brian Humphrey for the Supervisor of the Year. Brian has played a huge role in my career. I do not think I would be where I am today if it was not for him. I know Brian has been a large part of so many other employees here at the Sheriff’s Office and their career paths. Brian always has time to sit down and provide guidance and perspective when needed. Brian always seems to have a smile on his face and a pleasant attitude toward all staff he has contact with. Brian represents our agency very well and is a constant professional.

Another wrote: Lt. Brian Humphrey has consistently provided sound judgment in his supervisory role. Lt. Humphrey recognizes his employees abilities and trusts them with their decision making. Lt. Humphrey makes himself approachable and is available to all of his employees and provides all necessary equipment or man power to handle all investigations. Lt. Humphrey is aware of what is going on in each investigation and is available to help come up with solutions to handle any issues. Lt. Humphrey is committed to both his employees and department and that is why I have nominated him for supervisor of the year.

Sworn Employee of the Year: Kip Lee
One person wrote: I would like to nominate Deputy Kip Lee, Sworn Employee of the Year, for the following reasons. Working with Kip is a pleasure as he always has an upbeat personality and a can do attitude. This year Kip has been very active with the department and the community. Kip has worked hand in hand with Lisa Davis in helping with National Night Out. He has worked with the American Cancer Society setting up a walkathon in Carson City to help raise money for cancer research and patient support. He was pivotal in coordinating two different Tip-A-Cop events, one at Chili’s and the other at Applebee’s. The event at Applebee’s raised more than $1,700, the highest amount raised between the three northern Nevada locations.

Aside from the community work, Kip is also assigned regular responsibility of rifle instructor for the department. He is always thinking of new ways to keep the qualifications interesting and relative. I have received numerous compliments from deputies indicating that they like what he has accomplished with at the rifle range. Kip is also taking college colleges to further his career and has tested for sergeant this year. He has been extremely busy this year and has maintained a positive and professional attitude.