Deputies Steve Miller and Sean Thaler were sworn in on Monday, September 12th, 2011, at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Main Station in Minden, Nevada. Deputies Miller and Thaler were hired to backfill two positions recently vacated as a result of two DCSO Deputies, Seth Russell and Ignacio Gonzales, being recalled to active duty with the Army National Guard. Russell and Gonzales will deploy to Afghanistan in support of the U.S. Global War on Terror.

The appointments of Deputies Miller and Thaler come as a result of several months of testing and evaluation consisting of a written examination, physical agility test, oral interview, extensive background investigation, investigative interview, psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and medical examination.

Deputies Miller and Thaler will now undergo a rigorous 12-week jail training program to provide them the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties as jail deputies.

Deputy Steve Miller was raised in the San Ramon California area where he graduated high school and was involved in scouting; ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Following high school, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was selected, trained and assigned to the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Battalion. Steve deployed with 3rd Marine Recon to Iraq for combat duties along the Iraq – Syrian border. Steve is now a reserve Marine, assigned to the 4th Force Recon Battalion in Alameda, California. While on active duty Steve obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Cal State Fresno. Steve and his wife, Ashlee, reside in Dayton.

Deputy Sean Thaler was raised in Douglas County and is the son of former Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Steve Thaler, who was also the former director of China Springs Youth Camp. Sean attended the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he graduated with honors, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics. Following graduation he served as an officer with the U.S. Air Force. Sean is single and resides in Gardnerville.

L-R: Undersheriff Paul Howell, Deputy Sean Thaler, Deputy Steve Miller and Sheriff Ron Pierini

at the swearing-in ceremony held at the DCSO Main Station in Minden