Nevada convoy to Gulf region put on hold at last minute

Monday, Sept. 5, 2005 | 12:23 p.m.

Shortly before they were set to leave for Hurricane Katrina-battered states, a group of about 100 law enforcement officers from across Nevada was told to stay put.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials put the contingent's status on hold on Sunday afternoon for between one and three days until its mission can be determined, Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman Kevin Honea said.

The officers were in briefing at the NHP office in Las Vegas when they received the word. They had been scheduled to depart in a convoy of patrol cars at 3 p.m. Sunday from the office.

"It's our understanding the mission is still a go but just on hold," Honea said. "FEMA wants to ascertain where and how they will deploy us before sending us. They want us to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Obviously, there are some people who are disappointed."

FEMA spokesman Bill Rukeyser in Oakland, Calif., had no immediate comment, saying the agency would need time to determine the source of the confusion.

Volunteers from the Nevada Highway Patrol and police agencies in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City and Nye County were scheduled to take part in the relief effort.

Nevada authorities said the group was asked to assist law enforcement in the Gulf region for about three weeks. They said the contingent was to be assigned a specific area after completing the 36-hour, 1,200-mile drive to Mississippi.

Officials said they were taking part in the effort at the request of different state and federal agencies.

Reno police and NHP officials said Mississippi emergency management authorities requested their assistance. Las Vegas police said they were formally invited to join by FEMA, while Carson City sheriff's officials said they were asked to take part by the National Sheriffs' Association.

"Their mission is to assist in restoring and ensuring order," NHP Maj. Philip Tilt said.