Storey assistant sheriff to run for office

With Storey County Sheriff Jim Miller saying he will not run for office in the upcoming 2010 election, Assistant Sheriff Gerald Antinoro has thrown his hat into the ring.

"Storey County has been used as a bad example across the state on law enforcement," he said. "I think they deserve professional law enforcement, that's why I think with my experience and my education I can take the department to the next level of professionalism."

A law enforcement officer for 25 years, Antinoro began his career at age 20 in a small department in northeastern Utah. From there he went on to the West Wendover Police Department where his father was also an officer. Antinoro spent 11 years working his way through the ranks to assistant chief of police.

A job with the state seemed like a good idea, and Antinoro, 45, decided to take a position as chief of enforcement for Nevada Transportation Authority, which oversees all intrastate commercial vehicles with the exception of Las Vegas taxis.

But he said a passion for street-level law enforcement never left him, and when he heard that Storey County was looking for officers, Antinoro decided to make a move.

Four years ago Antinoro started as a deputy on patrol. Miller appointed him chief deputy, then five months ago Antinoro was named assistant sheriff.

Single with grown children, Antinoro has made his home in Gold Hill and said he "loves" his life here.

Antinoro said he will file his intent to seek election in March and his name will be on the general election ballot next November.

"I know how small towns operate and what the community wants," he said. "In big cities you don't know the cop's name. Here, it's got to be more personal. It's not just a victim or a complaint or a reporting party, these are our friends and our neighbors."