Sergeant, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department
Founder, Co-Owner and Instructor, New River Tactical Inc.
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Written by Maggie Matsko
Sergeant Tillman “Nick” Mooney grew up in Fayette County, where he learned at an early age the importance of family. It should come as no surprise that his family is the source of motivation for everything he has accomplished as a deputy sheriff, detachment commander, K-9 handler and tactical operator for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. “My family motivates me at work as a law enforcement officer to ensure I do things soundly, safely and justly, which allows me to go home every day with my head held high knowing I did good things,” he says.
At the age of 17, Mooney joined the West Virginia National Guard. He spent 36 consecutive months on active duty, supporting Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. When he returned home, he began to plan for his career, and his grandfather encouraged him to pursue law enforcement. “My grandfather always said he would like to see me in a big hat and a fast Ford, meaning a law enforcement officer,” he says. He also gives credit to his lifelong friend, Jess McMullen. “Jess planted the seed that got me where I am today.”
Since joining the sheriff’s department, Mooney has been deputized as a Special Duty U.S. Marshal and has worked with the Fugitive Task Force. His hard work and dedication to safety have been recognized with numerous awards, including Outstanding Criminal Investigation, Outstanding K-9 Officer and the Combat Cross, an award presented to officers involved in a shooting situation with an armed perpetrator. In 2013, the Fayette County Fraternal Order of Police recognized him as the Officer of the Year. Mooney is a certifying official with the West Virginia Police Canine Association, where he serves as chaplain, and he has earned certification as a K-9 trainer, firearms instructor, DARE officer, SCUBA diver and SWAT officer. As a result, he made the leap into entrepreneurialism and became one of the founders, owner/operators and instructors of New River Tactical Inc., which specializes in providing basic SWAT and tactical training to West Virginia’s law enforcement officers.
Volunteering comes naturally to Mooney. He is particularly passionate about being a coach and is actively involved with the New River Patriots Youth Football program, Midland Trail Little League Baseball program and Fayette County Freedom Fighters wrestling program. “I love being called coach,” he says. “That’s an endearing term not to be taken lightly. Coaches make sure their players are fed and clothed, their homework is done, their behavior at school is acceptable and that they are in an encouraging and sustained environment where they can grow and succeed without being afraid.”
He also participates with the sheriff department’s S.T.A.R.S. program; Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 118; Kesler Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club. Because the sheriff’s department’s resources don’t allow for a full-time school resource officer at Midland Trail High School, Mooney has taken this duty upon himself, making regular visits and working with parents, teachers and students to ensure their safety.
Mooney also contributes to the efforts of the Women’s Resource Center; Ansted In Motion; the Shop-With-A-Cop program and the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program. During last summer’s flooding, he helped set up and operate the emergency shelters at Ansted Baptist Church and Midland Trail High School, where he stayed around the clock for almost two weeks. He also helped ensure that animals rescued from the flood were taken care of, arranged activities for children affected by the floods, prepared and served meals and coordinated flood relief supplies.
Mooney believes the people of West Virginia are what make this a great place to live and is honored to serve the Mountain State. “The good, hard-working and blue collar people of West Virginia are our biggest attraction,” he says. “Most would say it is the outdoor activities and tourism, but behind all of that is our people. I enjoy being able to say I have a hand in making sure our state’s biggest asset is protected.”
What is your favorite . . . ?
Color – Black
Food – Ham, mashed potatoes and corn
Cartoon Character – Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote
Ice Cream – Chocolate
Animal – Dog
Book – “Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America’s Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang”
App – Clash of Clans
Midnight Snack – Nutri-Grain bar
Super Hero – Wolverine
Video Game – Call of Duty
Comic Book – “X-Men”
TV Show – “Duck Dynasty”
Movie – “The Lion King”
Smell – Fresh-cut grass
Sport Team – West Virginia University Mountaineers, Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Reds
Car – Jeep Wrangler
Pet – Dog
Place – Anywhere with my family
Small Local Restaurant – Chetty’s Pub at Adventures on the Gorge
Season – Fall
Era – Don Nehlen Era at West Virginia University
West Virginia Location – Babcock State Park
West Virginia Activity – Play football
