Retired colonel named homeland security adviser

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002 | 11:07 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Jerry Bussell, a retired Army colonel, has been named special adviser to Gov. Kenny Guinn on homeland security.

Bussell, of Reno, will earn $102,061 as the coordinator Nevada's efforts with federal agencies to respond to acts of terrorism. The salary is paid by the federal government.

"Nevada must be prepared to protect its citizens and visitors, and Jerry's background in the public and private sectors will make him an valuable asset in this capacity," Guinn said.

Bussell, a retired colonel in the Nevada Army National Guard, served 26 years in the Army and the Guard and has a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.

The governor said the state has already received $16 million in federal funds for homeland security and has developed a new state health lab in Las Vegas with the cooperation of the University of Nevada Medical School and the Clark County Health Department.

Bussell, 58, who has been involved in the restaurant and steel business, said one of his duties will be to keep the public aware of what is going on.

"My responsibility is to be absolutely candid," he said. "But when there is sensitive information, I will say 'I can't answer.' "