Former Washoe County Sheriff Vince Swinney Dies at 76 - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video -

Former Washoe County Sheriff Vince Swinney has died after a lengthy illness. He was 76.

Swinney died early Tuesday after being in poor health for several months.

Swinney joined the sheriff's office in 1971 and was elected to the first of three terms as sheriff in 1982.

Under his command, the sheriff's office expanded from 68 employees to more than 500.

He retired in 1994.

Besides a career in law enforcement, Swinney was a volunteer with the Nevada Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also was a member of the Reno Rodeo Association and a longtime member of the Nevada Woodchucks, a group that crafts wooden toys for children in need.

Services are pending.

(The Associated Press also contributed to this report.)