Nevada Highway Patrol’s new chief blazes trail for women

LAS VEGAS — Anne Carpenter was ready to retire as the chief of Nevada Parole and Probation division after 25 years in the male-dominated state Department of Public Safety. But the same week U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, George Togliatti, director of Nevada’s public safety force, asked Carpenter if she would replace retiring Nevada Highway Patrol Col. Daniel Solow. After all, as Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” “Colonel Carpenter exemplifies leadership,” Togliatti said in a statement announcing Carpenter’s appointment in October. “Her depth of experience is invaluable as the department continues to unify the efforts of its divisions to provide the highest level of service and protection for all Nevadans.” Born in Hawaii but raised in Reno, Carpenter’s law enforcement career began in 1995, after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “I truly think that it’s fate that I fell into law enforcement,” Carpenter said.