Kirkland hangs up his badge to take over DMV

Tuesday, May 30, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

At his last daily staff meeting as sheriff, Kirkland gave few orders Friday morning.

Rather, he provided tips in molding public opinion as one program after another was discussed: A customer survey on a new constable service program would help guard against a few complainers. Bend an editorial page editor's ear on the huge cost savings gained in sending non-violent criminals home. Keep track of the facts supporting the jail's year-old mental-health unit because people will want to know how it's doing.

Kirkland, 54, on Tuesday ended a 31-year law-enforcement career in Washoe County that started as a rookie cop with the Reno Police Department in 1969. He served four years as police chief before being elected sheriff in 1994 and re-elected in 1998.

Wednesday he will take on a new job as director of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety.

Kirkland was appointed to the post in March by Gov. Kenny Guinn, but delayed his departure as sheriff until the end of this month.

He groomed Undersheriff Dennis Balaam, who will become the acting sheriff Wednesday, for the job for 16 months before he announced his decision to retire March 16.

Had he retired before April 15, state law would have required his replacement to run for election this fall rather than in 2 1/2 years.

archive