Churchill County appoints Lee Orozco as sheriff after Richard Hickox's death

The Churchill County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Lee Orozco as sheriff to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sheriff Richard Hickox and sworn him into office at the meeting on April 14, 2026. The appointment covers the remainder of the current term, ending the first Monday in January 2027.

Lane Mills, Chief Deputy District Attorney, told the board the vacancy must be filled under Nevada Revised Statutes 245.170 and outlined options, including appointing a sheriff immediately or adopting a later selection procedure and reopening candidacy filing. "This board has a couple of options. I can appoint a sheriff today, or in the alternative, it could adopt a procedure for the selection of a qualified applicant," Mills said.

Commissioner Odd recommended that the board appoint the late sheriff's undersheriff, arguing the choice would preserve continuity. "I feel like Lee Orozco is the right man to fill his shoes at this point," Commissioner Odd said. A fellow commissioner voiced agreement and no members of the public spoke on the item.

An unnamed commissioner moved "to appoint Lee Orozco as the Sheriff of Churchill County pursuant NRS 245.170 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sheriff Richard Hickox for the remainder of the current term of office ending the first Monday of January 2027." The motion was seconded, the board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Judge Stockard administered the oath of office. Lee Orozco repeated the oath, pledging to "support, protect and defend the Constitution and government of the United States and the Constitution and government of the State of Nevada" and to "well and faithfully perform all of the duties of the office of sheriff." Afterward, Orozco recalled his long association with the late sheriff and pledged to continue Hickox's work: "He will be missed, but he's not forgotten. We'll carry on what he started." (Lee Orozco)

The meeting record includes a verification that the agenda was posted on April 14, 2026, between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., as stated by Tara Adams. The board offered condolences to Sheriff Hickox's family and adjourned the meeting with no additional public comment.

The formal action taken is the appointment of Lee Orozco as sheriff pursuant to NRS 245.170; the board scheduled a swearing-in, which was administered at the meeting by Judge Stockard. No vote tally by individual commissioner names was recorded in the transcript.