Nye County Sheriff’s Office holds memorial for late auxiliary officer

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary is remembering one of its own who passed away earlier this year.

David J. Olson passed away May 23, in Las Vegas. He was born July 14, 1943.

Olson was involved in numerous organizations and activities during his time in the Pahrump Valley.

His service to the community was remembered by Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly and longtime colleagues during a memorial ceremony on July 22.

“He touched the lives of many,” Wehrly said during a memorial service at the Bob Ruud Community Center.

“Dave joined the Nye County Search and Rescue unit in April 2011. During his time as a Search and Rescue member, Olson served as the unit’s communications officer as well as acting commander,” Wehrly said. “Dave was very active in the unit, and you could always count on Dave to assist with anything the unit was doing.”

Wehrly also said Olson left the Search and Rescue unit Jan. 1, 2016, where he joined the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Unit and remained active at the time of his passing.

Rev. Jay Davis of the Nye County Search and Rescue team also provided his thoughts on Olson’s passing.

Davis provided his thoughts on the colleague he’s known for three-plus years through the Search and Rescue unit and the local HAM radio club.

“Dave was a member of the Southern Nye County Search and Rescue Unit from April 1, 2001 through January of 2016,” he said. “Dave was a loyal Search and Rescue member, attending every meeting and responding to many callouts to search for individuals. His attitude always lifted up the other members, regardless of the situation.”

Davis went on to say that Olson not only gave himself for searches, but for each and every fundraiser the unit had performed.

“Dave always went above and beyond the call of duty, regardless of what was asked of him,” the Reverend noted. “Dave is, and always will be missed as part of the Search and Rescue unit and an active member of our community.”

Olson is survived by his wife Marilyn of 52 years, three children, one brother, one sister, 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com, on Twitter: @pvtimes