PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County Sheriffs Deputy Duane Dobbins was advanced to the grade of sergeant Sept. 28. A sheriff’s sergeant is classified as a first level supervisory leadership position within the county’s civil service system.

Dobbins remains with the sheriff’s patrol division and has assumed duties as a patrol sergeant, responsible for supervisory oversight of a patrol watch team and additional secondary duties as assigned. He fills the position vacancy created Sept. 14 with the promotion of Jon VanGesen from sheriff’s sergeant to sheriff’s lieutenant.

“During all aspects of his law enforcement career Sgt. Dobbins has been preparing himself for this opportunity,” said Sheriff Gary Simpson. “I am very pleased that he will be in a leadership role as this agency advances into the future and continues its service to county guests and residents.”

Dobbins has been a Kitsap County sheriff’s deputy for the past 14 years, but has 23 years total law enforcement experience. Prior to starting with KCSO in 2001 he served as a deputy sheriff with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Carson City, Nevada, for nine years, as a patrol officer, field training officer and as an operator with the agency’s SWAT team.

Dobbins qualifications include those as a field training officer, defensive tactics and active shooter instructor, range safety officer, and as a gang intelligence officer. Additionally, he served eight years as a narcotics investigator with the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Sgt. Dobbins graduated from Douglas High School, Minden, Nevada, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice administration from Phoenix University in 2011.