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 Lusby has been serving Washoe County as a Deputy since 2019. She has had multiple roles with the Sheriff’s Office in both Detention and Patrol. She is a Field Training Officer (FTO), Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and part of the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).

Deputy Lusby is excited to pursue her new position as a HOPE Deputy. She is passionate about educating the community on available resources, bridging the gap between Law Enforcement and the unhoused population, while keeping our community safe.

Deputy Levi Smith

Deputy Smith has been serving Washoe County as a Deputy since 2005.  He worked five and a half years in the Washoe County Detention Facility before moving to patrol.  During his twelve and a half years on patrol, training was his passion - serving as a Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), and Situational Awareness Training (SAT) instructor, while also being a lead Field Training Officer on Patrol.  After serving five and a half years on SWAT, enhancing his firearm skills and tactical knowledg, Deputy Smith is now excited to change gears with his new role on the HOPE Team to assist this vulnerable population of Washoe County.