On May 2, at the Rafter 3C Arena, the Churchill County community came together to honor the life and legacy of Sheriff Richard Hickox, whose passing earlier this month marked the end of a 28-year career in law enforcement and the loss of a deeply respected leader, mentor, and friend.
Family, community members, fellow officers, and state leaders filled the service in overwhelming numbers, a powerful reflection of the impact Hickox had both in uniform and beyond it.
Sheriff Lee Orozco, Churchill County’s previous undersheriff and newly appointed after Hickox’s passing, spoke at the podium.
“Today we gather to honor a man who was more than a sheriff,” Orozco said. “He was a partner, a leader, a mentor, and above all, a friend.”
Hickox’s law enforcement career began in 1998, when he joined the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy. Over the next nearly three decades, he rose through the ranks, serving as a patrol deputy, investigator, sergeant, and captain, and was ultimately elected sheriff in 2019.
Those who worked alongside him described a man committed not just to doing the job, but to doing it right. Orozco added, “He didn’t just want to do the job, he wanted to do it the right way,” recalling Hickox’s steady demeanor, integrity, and authenticity.
Throughout his career, Hickox took on numerous roles beyond his core duties, including serving as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer, defensive tactics instructor, and crisis intervention trainer. He also served as president of the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association, helping foster collaboration and professionalism across agencies.
While his professional accomplishments were significant, speakers emphasized that Hickox’s connection to the community was just as meaningful.
From youth programs and nonprofit organizations to local events, he was a constant presence in Churchill County.
“You would find him at a football game, a wrestling match, a baseball game, a Cantaloupe Festival, a Christmas tree lighting, really any community event—Richard was there,” longtime friend Shawn Mitchell shared during the eulogy.
That presence, many noted, was not for recognition, but because he genuinely cared.
Governor Joe Lombardo, who Orozco introduced as “a close friend of Sheriff Hickox,” spoke at the service and described Hickox as representing “the very best of Nevada law enforcement,” adding that his commitment to the community went far beyond the badge.
“This work is not just a job, it is often a calling,” Lombardo said. “Richard lived that calling every day.”
At the heart of Hickox’s life was his family—his wife, Barbara “Barb” Hickox, their daughters Sierra and Shelby, and his grandchildren.
Speakers shared stories that painted a picture of a man who balanced the demands of law enforcement with a deep dedication to those he loved. Whether attending games, teaching life lessons, or spending time outdoors, Hickox was described as fully present with his family.
Governor Lombardo addressed Hickox’s daughters: “Sierra and Shelby, your dad was clearly so proud of you. And in talking with your family, I was struck by how much he gave you, not just in words but in time.”
Orozco shared similar insights for his family: “He loved his daughters. He was proud of his family, and even prouder as a grandfather.”
Mitchell echoed that sentiment, recalling simple but meaningful moments—family fishing trips, shared traditions, and the quiet consistency of a man who never complained when sharing his time.
Hickox’s faith was also a recurring theme throughout the service, described not as something he spoke about lightly, but something he lived daily.
Even in his battle with cancer, those closest to him said he remained steadfast.
“He fought a good fight …” Mitchell said, recollecting a talk he was fortunate to have with Hickox before his passing. “He made clear over and over that he was right with the Lord.”
That strength left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his final days and the way he faced them—with clarity, peace, and purpose.
The service concluded with a traditional law enforcement final call, marking the end of Hickox’s watch.
“After 28 years of dedicated and tireless service … he has answered his last call,” the dispatcher announced. “His watch on this earth has ended, but his legacy will continue in every life he touched and in every deputy who puts on the badge.”
Orozco added that he intends to have Hickox’s badge number, 177, retire with him and never be reissued — a tribute to his service and the mark he left on the department.
For many in attendance, the sheer size of the crowd spoke volumes. One deputy noted that at least 12 law enforcement agencies had officers present, along with a large number of community attendees.
“This is a testament to me of how much he loved this community,” Mitchell said, “and how much this community loves him.”
As Churchill County moves forward, Richard Hickox — not only the sheriff of Churchill County, but the husband, the father, the grandfather, the uncle, the son, the brother, the sharer of faith, and the friend — will be missed.
However, while there will be grieving for this great man, his family, friends, and the community will carry on in the light of gratitude for what he left us: a legacy of service, humility, faith, and dedication that will remain firmly in place behind him.
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