Deputy Chief Tom Robinson started his career with The Reno Police Department in 1995 as an unpaid reserve officer. Since then, Robinson has served at every level of the organization and has either worked in, supervised or managed a variety of assignments throughout his career including Patrol, the Community Action Team (Gang Unit), SWAT Team, Police Training Officer Program, Traffic Division, Special Events, and Internal Affairs.
Robinson comes from a family committed to public service with family members having careers in law enforcement and education. Robinson grew up in this community and attended local schools. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University. He has also completed Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Program and is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).
As a lifelong member of this area, Robinson has a deep respect and appreciation for this community and all it has to offer. Robinson’s priority is to keep the Reno Police Department committed to its vision of being a model of policing excellence while continuing to add value to the Biggest Little City.
Deputy Chief Oliver Miller began his career in law enforcement with the Sparks Police Department in 2000. In 2003, he was selected for lateral hire with the Reno Police Department. Miller has worked in a variety of assignments to include; Patrol, Regional Gang Unit (RGU), Detectives Division in the Family Crimes and Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Units. His collateral responsibilities included the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Commander, Canine Unit Commander, Honor Guard Team Commander and the Critical Incident Negotiator Team (CINT) Sergeant.
Miller is a California native and moved to the Truckee Meadows community in 1980. In 1995, he enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard and was assigned to the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. After being selected for officer candidate school in 2008, he served as the Equal Opportunity Director for the Nevada Air National Guard until his retirement in early 2015.
When Miller is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. As a thirty-five year resident of the Reno/Sparks community, he understands the value and importance of building community trust and partnerships.
Professional Biography: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno (2000), Master of Arts, Education, University of Nevada, Reno (2007), Academy of Military Science AMS, McGhee Tyson AFB, Tenn. (2009), Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute DEOMI, EOA Course, Patrick AFB, Fla. (2012), Leadership Reno Sparks (2014).
Deputy Chief Zachary Thew began his career with the Reno Police Department in 2000. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a graduate certificate in police administration from Arizona State University. As an officer, Deputy Chief Thew was a lead critical incident negotiator, training officer, and worked as a detective in the Financial Crimes Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit, and Robbery/Homicide Unit. As a supervisor, Deputy Chief Thew worked in Patrol, Internal Affairs, and Detectives. He also supervised the Victim Services Unit, the Community Services Officer program, the Front Desk Team, and the Critical Incident Negotiation Team. He is currently assigned to Regional Operations, where he oversees regional units made up of local, state and federal partners. These units include the Gang unit, Human Trafficking Unit, Narcotics Unit, Crime Suppression Unit, Repeat Offender Unit and the Intelligence Unit.
Deputy Chief Thew grew up in Northern Nevada and is deeply committed to the city and its residents. He strives to use innovative practices to create an empowered and safe community.
Commander Sean Garlock began his career with the Reno Police Department in 1995. He has served in a variety of assignments, to include; Patrol, SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Law Enforcement Hazmat Team (CLEAR), Reno Police Honor Guard, Reno Police Jr Cadet Program, Regional Gang Unit, Police Training Officer and Police Training Supervisor Programs, and the Organizational Culture Guiding Principle Group.
Commander Garlock is a Nevada native, with deep family roots in Reno. He comes from a family of service in law enforcement, military, medicine, and faith-based ministry. Commander Garlock enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after high school, and served 14 years. During that time, he was deployed to Iraq twice in 2003, and again in 2005.
Commander Garlock and his wife have six children. One enlisted in the Marine Corps, with the goal of a career with the Reno Police Department, and another in her senior year of college working towards a degree in nursing. Coming from a big family and witnessing the absence of community overseas, Commander Garlock understands the importance of family and the necessity in building legitimacy and trust with our community.
Commander Joe Robinson began his career with the Reno Police Department in 2003 after serving as a deputy with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for two years. Robinson has worked in various assignments, including Patrol, Street Enforcement Team (SET), Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT), and the Robbery/Homicide Unit of the Detectives Section. Robinson has supervised or managed many of the department's assignments, including the Traffic Section, Special Events Unit, SWAT, and the Community Action and Outreach (CAO) Unit. Robinson was born and raised in this area and is from a law enforcement family. Robinson is a member of the International Tourism Safety and Security Organization and teaches Tourism Oriented Policing and Protective Services to law enforcement and security professionals from around the world. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. When Robinson is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, traveling, camping, and hunting. The Reno Police Department's motto of "Your Police Our Community" is something Robinson holds near and dear to his heart. He loves serving and being a part of this community and hopes everyone visits and enjoys everything the Biggest Little City offers.
Commander Robert Larson began his career with the Reno Police Department in 2000, after serving two years as a deputy sheriff with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. He has served, supervised or managed a variety of units within the Reno Police Department including Detectives, Regional Officer Involved Shooting team, Internal Affairs, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Special Events, Regional Crime Suppression Unit, Patrol, Traffic, Community Service Officers, and the Police Training officer/supervisor program. He has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a professional certificate from the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, MA. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Police Executive Research Forum. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors and all Northern Nevada has to offer. Commander Larson is a 4th generation Reno-ite with strong ties to the community and is committed to excellence in policing and partnering with the community.