Winget retires from law enforcement

Jace Radke

Friday, June 18, 2004 | 9:38 a.m.

Richard Winget, U.S. marshal for Nevada, will end more than 30 years in Southern Nevada law enforcement when he retires in July.

Winget, who is a former Metro Police undersheriff, is scheduled to step down as marshal on July 9.

"It has been a tremendous experience to be a marshal in these times," Winget said. "This veil of terrorism is hanging over us, and it has been an honor to be a part of the strengthening of security in Las Vegas."

Winget, 54, was confirmed as the state's marshal on March 26, 2003, after being nominated by President Bush on the recommendation of Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. His nomination was also supported by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Winget, whose wife recently retired after 31 years' working for Sprint, said that he and his wife plan to move to Bozeman, Mont., where they have just finished building a home.

"Everything has just kind of aligned, and this is the right time for us to go," Winget said. "It's definitely a seller's market if you're a homeowner in Las Vegas."

Winget directed about 30 marshals during his 15 months as head of the federal organization's Nevada contingent. U.S. Marshals are responsible for the protection of the federal judiciary and tracking down fugitives across the United States.

The marshal-led Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team, or FIST, targets violent fugitives with drug, weapons and money laundering offenses. In addition to marshals, the team includes representatives of Metro Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nevada Department of Parole and Probation.

Winget has served in Southern Nevada law enforcement since 1973 and was undersheriff from 1995 to 2002 for Sheriff Jerry Keller. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police.

Winget had planned to retire after Keller left office in 2002, but said he was happy he accepted the nomination to become a marshal.

"Our community has been well served by the men and women of the marshals service," Winget said.