LETTER: Thank you for the honor of serving as sheriff

To the editor:

As my time at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department comes to a close, it is worth taking a moment to thank the good people of Clark County for allowing me the honor to serve as your sheriff.

I came to Las Vegas in 1980 with one dream in mind: to be a police officer. For the past 34 years, I have tried to remain mindful of the reasons I chose this career — remembering what it was that pushed me onward to this great adventure.

I still believe today that being an officer is one of the most honorable professions a person can choose. For those who wear the badge, it will test you. You can witness something heartbreaking one moment and then be given a chance to make a difference, save a life or right a wrong in the next moment.

I have been blessed in my career and in choosing Las Vegas as home. Southern Nevada is the most amazing place in America. As the world’s leading tourist destination, the pace, the liveliness and the flurry of activity create nothing quite like it. But more than that, I want to recognize the Clark County community, which has been supportive of LVMPD and me. I could not have asked for a better community to serve.

Together, we have been through good times: unprecedented growth, diminishing crimes rates and spectacular major events. We also have had our difficult times: the tragic loss of police officers and the painful economic downturn. But crisis presents opportunity. Today, with the community’s involvement, LVMPD is leading the nation in reform. We have pioneered meaningful relationships and made many remarkable accomplishments. Yet, we cannot rest on the work that has been done. More is needed in the way of diversity, community relations and managing use of force.

The community’s expectations of police are high, as they should be. In passing the baton, I am optimistic that LVMPD will continue to be progressive, striving to develop new ideas to improve upon the community’s trust and confidence.

In the past eight years, I have been fortunate to work closely with elected officials and the staff of local and state government, and with our business leaders, community advocates and nonprofit organizations. I admire their devotion to duty and consider many of these hard-working people friends.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the steadfast dedication of the men and women of LVMPD. Their tireless efforts and genuine compassion are sincerely appreciated. I know well that police officers make a difference. They have made this community a better place, and for me, made the journey worthwhile.

Again, it has been a privilege to be your sheriff. Thank you.

DOUGLAS C. GILLESPIE

LAS VEGAS

The writer has served as Clark County sheriff since 2007.