Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo explained that if there's one thing his department isn't short on, it's volunteers.

DeMeo said that he had well over 50 volunteers at his disposal, including Search and Rescue, volunteer office staff, and the Sheriff's Auxiliary Unit, and cadets.

"We do very well in Nye County as far as volunteers go," DeMeo said. "When we have an emergency, I have a Sheriff's Auxiliary Unit that has never failed me yet."

DeMeo's comments were in response to statements made by members of the Volunteer Homeland Reserve Unit who said the NCSO did not use their skills, despite other law enforcement agencies in Nevada being eager to do so.

"I never refuse a hand, but I didn't see any issues (it) could help with," said DeMeo.

He said he regretted any "ill feelings" this may cause the VHRU but added that he met with Ted Farace, the organization's president, on several occasions.

DeMeo and a Highway Patrol spokesman also clarified statements made by a patrolman in a recent article. The patrolman said the sheriff had informed his deputies to not patrol Highways 160 and 372 but leave those roads to patrol by the Highway Patrol.

"In fact, the Nye County Sheriff's Office has a great working relationship with NHP," DeMeo said. "We respond to their calls and they to ours. As a matter of fact, I have just applied for a grant with the state for funds to do saturation patrolling for those two highways."

Kevin Honea, speaking for the NHP, added, "We have always enjoyed a very good relationship with the Nye County Sheriff's Office. We have never wanted for back-up for any of our calls. They have always been quick to respond, as we have been quick to respond to theirs.

"Furthermore, NHP and NCSO are working together to address the issues concerning 160 and 372. In the future, there are several new programs that are in the works, that both departments are involved with and actively planning. The public will soon see much more inter-departmental cooperation."