Assistant Sheriff Greg McCurdy announces retirement

At least one member of the Las Vegas police department’s executive staff won’t be around to see the next administration.

Assistant Sheriff Greg McCurdy, who oversees the Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Investigations Group at the Metropolitan Police Department, will retire to become Vice President of Corporate Security at SLS Las Vegas, the upcoming luxury hotel and casino replacing the Sahara.

McCurdy, 52, was a 30-year veteran of the department, having joined in 1983. He was born and raised in Las Vegas.

McCurdy told his colleagues Friday morning in an “emotional” meeting, he said. His decision had nothing to do with Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie’s decision to step away. He had no problems with the department or its leadership, but was looking for a new challenge, he said.

“Sometimes in life you get a great opportunity that comes to you,” he said. “I’ve had 30 wonderful years serving in this community. I’m humbled to help another company add value to what they do, and also still live in my community and do something good.”

McCurdy’s last day is Oct. 3. He will take a month-long break before embarking on his new endeavor.

“I don’t call it a retirement as much as it’s a transition to something new, different and exciting,” he said.

McCurdy was promoted to assistant sheriff in 2011 after seven years as deputy chief under Gillespie and former sheriff Bill Young.

In addition to his years on the department’s executive staff, McCurdy worked as a field training supervisor for Northwest Area Command, worked in the gang unit, ran the firearms section and was the first full-time public information officer. He said he had “many great assignments.”

“There are many dedicated employees keeping the community safe, and I want to thank them for their work. I will continue to support the police department, just from a different perspective,” he said.

Los Angeles-based SBE Entertainment plans to unveil the 1,620-room SLS Las Vegas in fall 2014.

McCurdy is the third assistant sheriff to retire at the department in the last year. Ray Flynn retired late in 2012, and Ted Moody abruptly resigned earlier this summer. He announced this week his candidacy for the sheriff’s office.

Reporter Howard Stutz contributed to this report. Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283. Follow @blasky on Twitter.