With Fatal Crashes Rising, Nevada Lawmakers Face Pressure to Fix Trooper Shortage

As Nevada’s roads become increasingly dangerous, the state faces an alarming shortage of highway patrol officers. The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is struggling with a 43% vacancy rate, leaving 169 trooper positions unfilled at a time when highway fatalities are soaring. State officials are now pleading with legislators to approve more funding to recruit and retain officers before the crisis worsens.

Sheri Brueggemann, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Safety, addressed state lawmakers, emphasizing that the old ways of recruiting are no longer effective. “We can no longer assume that just because we are here, people are going to come to us,” she said, pointing out that law enforcement agencies nationwide are competing for a shrinking pool of candidates.

Adding to the difficulty, the younger generation of recruits appears less willing to take on the demanding, high-risk nature of highway patrol work, preferring predictable schedules over the intense, life-threatening scenarios that often come with the job. “People we are getting today want Monday-Friday, weekends off,” Brueggemann noted.

The lack of troopers doesn’t just put Nevada’s drivers at risk—it endangers law enforcement officers themselves. State Senator Robin Titus voiced her concerns, particularly for rural areas, where backup may be nonexistent. “I worry about that vacancy rate, especially in areas where there’s no law enforcement support,” she warned.

The reality of this crisis hit home in November 2023, when NHP Sergeant Michael Abate and Trooper Alberto Felix were tragically killed on I-15 after being struck by a driver while assisting another vehicle. NHP Lieutenant Colonel Martin Mleczko emphasized the growing risks troopers face, stating: “Their loss is felt not just within our ranks but across the country.” Over 91 first responders nationwide have been killed roadside in the past two years, making it clear that immediate action is needed to protect those who serve.

Meanwhile, Nevada’s highways continue to see a sharp rise in fatal crashes. In 2024 alone, NHP investigated 29 fatal commercial vehicle crashes—a staggering 52% increase from 2020. Overall, highway fatalities in the state have jumped 37% over the past decade, with reckless speeding, impaired driving, and distracted motorists fueling the crisis.

The question remains: Will lawmakers act swiftly to fill the vacancies and provide troopers with the support they need? Or will Nevada’s highways continue to become even more deadly due to inaction?

Source: News 3 Las Vegas