Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Sonia Butler

Sergeant Sonia Butler is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 17 years of service at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, marked by her commitment to community-focused initiatives and innovative program development. Born into a family that has called Washoe County home for three generations, Sergeant Butler is deeply invested in preserving the beauty and livability of her community, striving to ensure it remains a place where residents thrive and enjoy the county’s natural splendor.

Sergeant Butler currently serves as the Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (H.O.P.E) Team Sergeant, leading efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with vital resources, fostering trust, and enhancing community safety through compassionate outreach. Her extensive career includes roles as a Detention Deputy, District Court Bailiff, Patrol Deputy, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant, showcasing her diverse expertise in law enforcement. She also served on the specialized Detention Response Team (D.R.T), further demonstrating her commitment to addressing complex challenges within the Sheriff’s Office. As a Patrol Sergeant, she supervised criminal investigations, mentored deputies, and collaborated with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure successful prosecutions. Her time as a Detective highlighted her ability to resolve complex cases through meticulous investigation.

Sergeant Butler has devoted significant time to researching and creating programs that benefit the community, most notably spearheading a catalytic converter anti-theft program in collaboration with local agencies and businesses, which resulted in a significant reduction in theft reports over a two-year period. Her extensive experience in the detention mental health units has equipped her with expertise in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, enabling her to address inmates’ mental health challenges effectively. She has also developed training initiatives, such as videos on domestic violence arrests and crime scene photography, to enhance the skills and operational efficiency of deputies.

Her dedication to fostering broad community partnerships, innovative programs, and compassionate leadership strengthens her impact as the H.O.P.E Team Sergeant, reflecting her family’s longstanding commitment to making Washoe County a vibrant and welcoming community.

Deputy Kourtney Lusby

Deputy Kourtney Lusby has been a dedicated member of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for six years, serving on the Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Team since January 2025. A lifelong resident of Washoe County, Deputy Lusby is deeply committed to serving her community with compassion and professionalism, contributing to the HOPE Team’s mission, established on July 5, 2021, to address homelessness through resource-driven solutions.

Before joining the HOPE Team, Deputy Lusby served in the Sheriff’s Office Detention Division, where she excelled as a Field Training Officer (FTO), worked in the mental health units, and was a member of the Detention Response Team (D.R.T.). Her experience in detention has equipped her with a deep understanding of mental health challenges and crisis intervention, which she applies in her current role to support vulnerable populations effectively.

Deputy Lusby is passionate about training and teaching others, serving as an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) instructor, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and DRE/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) instructor, as well as serving on the Major Accident Investigation team (MAIT). Her dedication to education enhances the capabilities of her colleagues and strengthens the Sheriff’s Office’s community outreach efforts.

With an empathetic and approachable demeanor, Deputy Lusby builds trust and fosters meaningful connections with community members. Through collaboration with local agencies, she ensures immediate and sustainable assistance for those in need, contributing to a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Washoe County.

Deputy Levi Smith

Deputy Levi Smith has been a dedicated member of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office since 2005, bringing over two decades of diverse experience to his role. His career spans multiple divisions, including Detention, Patrol, and SWAT, showcasing his versatility and commitment to public safety. Since joining the Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Team in March 2024, Deputy Smith has made significant strides in addressing homelessness in Washoe County.

A passionate trainer, Deputy Smith has served as a lead Field Training Officer and instructed in DUI enforcement, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Situational Awareness. His expertise enhances the skills of his colleagues, fostering a culture of excellence within the Sheriff’s Office. With the HOPE Team, he leverages his strong communication skills, compassion, and patience to connect vulnerable individuals to critical resources and stable housing.

Collaborating closely with community providers, Deputy Smith exercises sound judgment to deliver impactful solutions. His work focuses on reducing crime and long-term homelessness by addressing root causes and providing sustainable support. In 2024, the HOPE Team, with Deputy Smith’s contributions, contacted 2,182 individuals, with 1,404 accepting services and 144 securing stable housing.

Deputy Smith’s commitment extends beyond his duties, as he actively participates in community outreach initiatives to build trust and strengthen partnerships. His proactive approach and dedication to Washoe County’s most vulnerable populations make him an invaluable asset to the Sheriff’s Office and the community at large.