State public safety chief Kirkland retires

Friday, May 2, 2003 | 10:02 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Dick Kirkland, who generated controversy at times as state director of the Department of Public Safety, was spending his last day on the job today, ending 35 years in law enforcement.

"I'm going fishing," said Kirkland, 57, in announcing his retirement Thursday from the position that pays $107,433. Gov. Kenny Guinn named Deputy Dave Kieckbush as interim director.

Kirkland previously served as police chief of Reno and then as Washoe County sheriff before Guinn named him the director of the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety in June 2000.

Kirkland said one of his biggest accomplishments was implementing a computer system that helped reduce lines at DMV offices.

"We were at 200 minutes (waiting time) and we got that down to 60 minutes (statewide)," he said Thursday.

However, the average waiting time in Las Vegas is still 71 minutes and some people spend two to three hours in line.

The department was divided in 2001 and Kirkland became the first director of public safety. Guinn and Kirkland drew criticism when the governor used a 2001 law to allow Kirkland to "double dip," or draw both his retirement pay and his salary.

Kirkland also was known for ruffling feathers within the department, causing many veterans in the agency to either quit or retire.

Kieckbush, 54, worked with Kirkland at the Reno Police Department and was undersheriff to Kirkland in Washoe County. He joined Kirkland at the state in September 2000 and was also included in the decision by Guinn allowing him to draw both retirement pay and a salary.

The department oversees the Highway Patrol, Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, Investigations, Parole and Probation, Capitol Police, Parole Commission, Criminal Justice Assistance and Traffic Safety.