Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff and fire chiefs report busy period, staffing pressures in Fernley
Summary
Chief Deputy Mitch Brandingham reported a vehicle‑in‑canal recovery and a pursuit that ended with a deputy injured; Battalion Chief Schneider said Fernley has had periods with no paramedics on duty and relies on mutual aid and air transport.
Public safety officials told the Fernley City Council on Nov. 19 about a busy recent period and staff pressures in both law enforcement and fire/EMS.
Chief Deputy Mitch Brandingham of the Blind County Sheriff’s Office briefed the council on two notable weekend incidents: a vehicle that drove into a canal (the vehicle was later removed with county assistance) and an extended vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash and a foot pursuit during which a deputy fell into a deep hole and sustained significant injuries. Brandingham said the office expects to identify the suspect soon and that staffing will be improved when three deputies graduate from the academy. He reported current staffing at 20 personnel, including three supervisors.
Battalion Chief Schneider (Northland Fire) described high daily 911 activity (averaging roughly 11–14 calls per day) and said there had been periods with no paramedics on duty in Fernley, requiring frequent mutual aid responses from neighboring jurisdictions and daily use of air transport at times: "Two of our ambulances are sitting in traffic right now," he said, describing the operational strain. Schneider said the department is recruiting and will fill one vacancy soon and noted ongoing community outreach such as a turkey drive.
Council thanked the agencies for their work and expressed concern for the injured deputy and for reliability of paramedic coverage; no formal council action was taken on these reports.
