New Nonprofit Raises Funds for Nye County Sheriff, Hosts First Event
A newly formed nonprofit held its inaugural First Friday fundraiser to raise money for event costs and equipment for the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, and to build community connections between residents and law enforcement. The event and the group's stated priorities matter to local residents because privately raised funds for public safety projects create both opportunities for community engagement and questions about transparency and oversight.
Friends of Nye County Sheriff’s Office held its first fundraising evening on Dec. 5, 2025 at Artesian Cellars, 1731 S. Hwy. 160. The free to enter gathering ran from 6 to 9 p.m. and included raffles, a live auction, vendors and music by DJ Ruh Roh Music. Attendees were encouraged to purchase food or drinks to thank the winery hosting the event.
The nonprofit was formed in August 2025 and says its mission is to "secure and provide essential resources ranging from community engagement support to critical equipment purchases that enhance public safety, foster officer community trust, and help ensure Nye County remains a safe place to live, work, and play." Tammy Engel, president of Friends of Nye County Sheriff’s Office, said the group hopes to grow and support law enforcement and community relations through fundraising and community engagement.
Locally the initiative seeks to reduce out of pocket costs for events organized by the sheriff’s office and to supply equipment the office may lack. For residents this can mean better funded community programs, more visible public safety presences at local events and faster access to equipment that supports deputies on duty. The winery based event model also signaled an emphasis on informal community interaction as a tool to build trust.
At the same time private fundraising for law enforcement equipment raises institutional questions that deserve public attention. When community groups step in to fund equipment it can affect county budget decisions, shape procurement priorities and complicate long term planning for county leaders. For voters and civic actors the relevant considerations include what oversight mechanisms will govern donated funds, how gifts are reported and who decides which equipment is purchased.
Friends of Nye County Sheriff’s Office offers an avenue for civic engagement that many residents will find familiar and accessible. To preserve public trust the organization and the sheriff’s office will need clear accounting and regular updates on how raised funds are used. That transparency will determine whether the group becomes a sustainable partner in public safety or a source of contention in future budget and policy debates.
