Winget tabbed for marshal

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 | 11:05 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., today announced he nominated Metro Police Undersheriff Richard Winget to be the U.S. marshal for Nevada.

Ensign forwarded the nomination to President Bush Monday. Bush is expected to then nominate Winget, sending his name to the Senate for approval.

"He has shown exemplary professionalism and leadership both on the job and in his community while serving as undersheriff, and I am confident he will continue to exhibit these qualities as a federal marshal," Ensign said. "Not only is he well-respected in the southern Nevada law enforcement community, but his spotless reputation reaches across the nation."

Two weeks ago Winget, 52, said he was preparing for retirement to Montana after more than 29 years with the sheriff's department and then Metro.

"I was totally shocked when Sen. Ensign's chief of staff contacted me to see if I would be interested," Winget said. "I was totally focused on retirement. For the past two months we had been fixing the little things in the house getting ready to sell it."

But after talking with his wife and then Sheriff Jerry Keller, Winget said he decided to pursue the job. He said he wouldn't have pursued the position without the blessing of both his wife and the sheriff.

Winget interviewed for the position on Thursday and was told Monday that his name would be forwarded to President Bush. Ensign praised Winget for his relationship with law enforcement throughout the state.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Winget is a proven leader.

"I have full confidence in his ability to serve as our U.S. marshal as he continues working to keep Nevadans safe," Reid said.

The duties of U.S. marshals include pursuing federal fugitives and protecting federal judges and witnesses in federal cases, as well as managing physical evidence in cases.

Winget has been Keller's top aide as undersheriff since 1995. Winget began his career in the Clark County Sheriff's Office in 1973.