Hosmer new chief of NHP

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2001 | 9:02 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A man with 25 years' experience in law enforcement is the new chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol. He will succeed Mike Hood, who is retiring at the end of the month.

Dave Hosmer was selected as the patrol chief to supervise 445 sworn officers and 160 civilian personnel, Richard Kirkland, director of the state Department of Public Safety, said Monday.

Hosmer, who will earn $85,858 a year, has been chief of the state Division of Investigations, a separate agency within the Department of Public Safety.

Kirkland said senior commanders in the Highway Patrol who were eligible for the top job did not apply for it. He said the Highway Patrol's senior staff members were consulted about Hosmer's appointment and supported it.

Hosmer, 45, has been with the Department of Public Safety for 21 years. He was a law enforcement officer in the Air Force and worked for the Bureau of Reclamation before joining the Highway Patrol as a trooper.

After three years with the Highway Patrol, Hosmer transferred to the state Division of Investigations, where he served in every position from investigator to chief.

Kirkland said Hosmer in his last year as chief of investigations has improved performance, raised morale and started new lines of reporting and accountability.