Public safety chief to retire Dec. 31

CARSON CITY -- The director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety plans to retire at the end of the month.

Jerry Hafen will retire Dec. 31, ending a 35-year career in Nevada law enforcement. His retirement was announced Monday by Gov. Jim Gibbons, who appointed Hafen in 2008.

As director, Hafen oversaw several divisions in state government, including the Highway Patrol, investigations, parole and probation and emergency management.

Hafen is a lifelong resident of Clark County and began his career in 1975 as a patrol officer. He served as an investigator for the state Taxicab Authority, Gaming Control Board, Department of Motor Vehicles and state Investigation Division.