The Carson City Sheriff’s Honor Guard and Chaplain dedicated a new flag pole at the administrative complex on Wednesday. The ceremony kicked off a second presentation where three deputies were awarded the “Life Saving Medal” for assertive medical actions resulting in the saving of a life. Deputy Matt Putzer, John Hitch, and Chris Ramos all received medals for their service. The ceremony was concluded as Deputy Bill Richards was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
But this Special Event goes much deeper. Following last year’s Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony on the Legislative Complex, Ms. Rosylan Carvin contacted Sheriff Furlong to question why her father-in-law, a former Carson City “Police” Officer killed in the line of duty, had not been recognized. Low and behold, Ms. Carvin was so correct. On October 31, 1949, on Nevada Day, Officer Vernon Carvin was killed in the line of duty during an altercation with an inmate. Sheriff Ken Furlong immediately set in motion a project that will come to fruition on May 2, 2013; and the project was to be kicked off with the flag pole dedication, in time before the statewide memorial.
On Thursday May 2nd, all law enforcement agencies from across the state will converge on the Legislative complex and honor those officers killed in the line of duty during the past year, and recognize those who have passed but were missed. Officer Vernon Carvin will be among those honored. Just prior to that date, three Sheriff’s Office team members will present at the Washington D.C. National Law Enforcement Memorial where Officer Carvin’s service will be honored. Then, on Friday, May 3, his memorial will be concluded when his name is placed on the Hoff Peace Officers Memorial Wall in Reno.
It is with great apologies that the loss of Officer Carvin was overlooked for so long. But to the credit of his daughter-in-law, Rosylan Carvin, that oversight is about to be corrected with the fullest of honors.
It is with great respect that the Sheriff’s Office recognizes the Carvin family who have suffered so much. On July 5th, 1976, Fire Fighter Ken Carvin, grandson of Police Officer Vernon Carvin, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a fire in Kings Canyon. Ken Carvin, John Ivins, and BLM Pilot James Davidson all died when the helicopter they were flying crashed. Of this family who have been so instrumental to the Carson City community, their losses are survived by a proud and esteemed family that continues to shape our town.