Virginia City peace officers museum father-son effort

Walter and Doug Gist were like father, like son.

Walter Gist was a police officer in Kensington, Calif., and later became its chief before retiring in 1977. He had been an avid collector of law enforcement badges and historical police items since the 1950s.

His son, Doug, became a Washoe County sheriff’s deputy, retiring recently as commander of patrol operations after 25 years. In 2000, he received the Bronze Star for his work.

He also had collected and displayed police artifacts since the 1970s, in a hobby that continued after his father’s passing in 2005. Now, with the help of other law enforcement officers and supporters, Doug Gist is spearheading the opening of the Silver State

Peace Officers Museum scheduled later this summer in the 1876 Storey County Jail at 26 South B St., in Virginia City.

A large part of the collection will include exhibits from Nevada law enforcement agencies, especially from the northern region. Also planned is a room dedicated to fallen peace officers, with a searchable, touchscreen database with pictures,
biographies and stories from family members. Restored law enforcement vehicles also will be displayed.

Volunteers are developing the museum, with the support of police executives, associations and private donations.

Next month, volunteers will start the demolition process and then work to develop the interior and build the exhibits.

“We have, what i believe, is the largest and finest law enforcement memorabilia that exists,” Gist said of the exhibits, some dating to the 1700s.

Gist said the museum will be the result of marrying a father and son effort.

“It was his lifelong passion as it has been mine and it was his dream to see the items on public display,” he said.

Exhibits include a vigilante badge from 1861 from the now ghost town of Aurora, Nev.

When police were not handling problems in the town, citizens formed their own vigilante crews. Gist said it’s the only existing vigilante badge. Also on hand is a death mask of notorious bank robber John Dillinger.

Museum board member and Reno police detective Adam Wygnanski said the museum is a tribute to law enforcement everywhere.

“It’s going to be a great information tool to for everyone to see how law enforcement has evolved,” said Wygnanski, also a member of the police honor guard. “It will be a learning tool for future police officers.”

Storey County Sheriff James Miller said the museum is an opportunity for visitors to learn about police history. He said it’s also child-friendly with exhibits that allow children to dress up in old police uniforms and take photos with the artifacts.

The Storey County Jail last was used in the 1980s, said Miller, also a museum board member.

“It’s a great idea and has been a long time coming,” Miller said. “It’s a great opportunity to put the facility back to its original state and share it with people.”
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