Sheriff Kenneth T. Furlong was born and raised in Carson City. He graduated from Carson High in 1975. While employed as a Carson City Fire Department Dispatcher, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1978. During his Air Force career, Furlong earned an Associate’s Degree in Police Science, another Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

Furlong retired from the USAF, Office of Special Investigations, in 1998. Furlong continued his work in law enforcement and accomplished numerous Detachment Major Crimes Investigator assignments, including Narcotics Task Force Investigator, Enhanced Criminal Operations, and Superintendent of Operations. Prior to his election to the Office of Sheriff in 2003, Furlong was employed with the Department of Public Safety, Investigations Division (Major Crimes) and Parole and Probation (offender supervision).

Since taking office in January 2003, Sheriff Furlong has re-aligned the organizational structure to meet the ongoing needs of the community.  On 01/07/2024, Sheriff Ken Furlong made history by becoming Carson City's longest-serving Sheriff after beating Sheriff Joseph Stern's record, who served Carson City from Jan. 6, 1913, to Jan. 6, 1935. Today, in addition to the traditional law enforcement units, the organization’s staff includes specialty units assigned to the Carson City School District: Traffic Management & Enforcement, Mental Health & Crisis Unit, Specialized Narcotic & Gang Enforcement, Crisis Negotiating Team, Drone Unit, an enhanced K-9 program, and more.  The Sheriff is committed to enhancing law enforcement & public safety through educational opportunities, community involvement, and youth/senior collaborations.

Sheriff Furlong’s organizational priorities include: deterring crime, employing the most qualified individuals, treating citizens with the utmost professionalism and courtesy, communicating with the community, and managing the budget efficiently and effectively.

Sheriff Furlong's leadership philosophy is to seek opportunities that build on the community's desires continuously. He insists that all initiatives should include components for education, information, and enforcement. As a result of his philosophy, Carson City has benefited from efficient, effective law enforcement, with strong community participation and support.

Sheriff Furlong's engagement in the community is evident while on duty at every community event. Furlong continues to organize the award-winning annual National Night Out, Cops-n-Kids Spaghetti Dinner, and Sheriff’s Open House/Street Fair. Additionally, Furlong actively supports many local community organizations, such as, the Boys & Girls Club, Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Carson Community Counseling, Rotary, CASI, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Nevada Humane Society, and many more.

Sheriff Furlong is the 26th Sheriff to serve Ormsby County/Carson City since 1861, and the 6th Sheriff of the Combined Municipality of the City/County of Carson City.

Contact Sheriff Furlong