FPD names new captain

Ron Wenger came to Fallon more than 30 years ago while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. While that tour ended after five years, however, he decided to stay in Nevada and found a new career with the Fallon Police Department along the way.

The 22-year FPD veteran has risen through the ranks and on Tuesday night was officially promoted to captain during the Fallon City Council meeting. In taking the oath of office from Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. in the City Council Chambers, he moved into a position vacated by the retirement of Frank Shyne.

“I’m coming into this job at the most opportune time,” Wenger said. “In the 22-plus years I’ve been here, this is absolutely the best group I’ve had to deal with. We have the highest quality officers and I just think it’s going to be an easy transition.”

He joined FPD as a reserve officer in 1983 and was full-time from 1985-90 before moving to become a deputy for the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office — not far from his native Merced, Calif.

“I was working right there at Yosemite,” Wenger said, flashing a grin. “That was an awesome experience, but my heart’s here in Fallon.”

Wenger has been active in the community as a baseball coach and is looking forward to seeing his son, Army Specialist Colton Wenger, return from his tour of Afghanistan in August. And he remains as passionate as ever about his profession.

“I love law enforcement,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun, that’s why I’m still doing it. I’ve got 28 years total and I’m not looking to do anything else.”