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Laxalt taps former FBI agent to deal with Nevada’s opioid crisis

CARSON CITY — A retired FBI agent will be Nevada’s first statewide opioid coordinator.

Attorney General Aam Laxalt announced on Monday the appointment of Terry Kerns, whose job will be to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and victims’ service providers as Nevada responds to the opioid epidemic.

“As a former federal law enforcement officer and registered nurse, Kerns is a perfect fit to assist law enforcement and victim services coordinate responses to the opioid crisis,” Laxalt said in a statement. “As the chair of Nevada’s Substance Abuse Working Group, I understand that prevention goes hand-in-hand with law enforcement efforts.”

Kerns, who recently retired from the FBI, was last a supervisory agent for the agency’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

“I’m honored to step into this new role where I can prioritize the public’s health and safety,” Kerns said in a statement. “I would like to thank Attorney General Laxalt for the opportunity to continue my public service, and look forward to working with the dedicated individuals committed to this mission.”

Kerns can be reached by email at TKerns@ag.nv.gov or by phone at 702-486-0978.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-0661. Follow @BenBotkin1 on Twitter.

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