Law enforcement honored for service

It isn't often that city, county and state law enforcement are all called to one location - and when they are it usually isn't a good thing. A meeting Thursday was the exception, as the Sanders County DUI Task Force held their first annual luncheon to acknowledge the hard work of those local agencies.

Officers from Montana Highway Patrol, Thompson Falls and Hot Springs police departments and the Sanders County Sheriff's Office were invited to the Plains Senior Center where DUI Task Force organizers Jennifer McPherson and John Marshall treated the public servants to a prime rib lunch and updates on the latest efforts of the joint operation.

"We really can't thank you enough for all that you do to and your dedication to keeping alcohol and drugs away from our youth, and keeping our roadways safe from intoxicated drivers," said McPherson. "I'm honored to do what I can to help and work with all of you." McPherson said she was hoping to share the results from the 2018 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment, but explained the results had not yet been officially released.

John Marshall gave a report on the DUI Task Force's progress in the last year and recapped the progress on an idea he promised to chase that was popular with all law enforcement when presented last year.

"Other states have been able to effectively implement an 'anonymous reporting' hotline/text service that allows citizens to handily report criminal activity," said Marshall. "Every law enforcement agency I've talked with in Montana have been supportive of the idea, but every time it goes to the next level of bureaucracy it doesn't happen. If that is something you'd like me to continue looking into, I'd be happy to." The idea had unanimous support at the luncheon and Marshall noted that there would be public and high profile opportunities to be a loud proponent of the idea.

A report from each department was given, beginning with MHP's District 1 Captain Jim Kitchin. A recent media campaign highlighting wearing of seatbelts and DUI prevention is seeing results and Kitchin reported that assigned troopers in the area are doing a great job, although there is still a vacant position for the district that could lighten the load of troopers, once filled.

Sheriff Rummel stated that a computer database upgrade that has been three years in the works will take effect soon. He admitted that computers are one of his least favorite things, but the buzz around the office is that everyone is looking forward to the streamlined resource. Training will start with administration and work its way down. He noted that the change will allow deputies to do their work on the road, which should reduce the office's fuel budget considerably and free up more time away from paperwork. Undersheriff Lanny Hensley thanked the DUI Task Force for the reimbursement help in the purchase of four body cameras for the sheriff's office.

City of Thompson Falls Police Chief Chris Nichols also thanked the DUI Task Force for their monetary assistance in getting new body cameras. Nichols added that the same computer database upgrade by the sheriff's office would also be used by the city. Comments brought to light that other departments in the region would be switching to the same one and the idea was raised that cost sharing might be available, as well as lauding the raised efficiency of inter-departmental records sharing that would result.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Game Warden Troy Hinck works jointly with the sheriff's office, but noted that recent legislation has taken 25 percent of his position's law enforcement funding, turning that position's priority to biological work. He shared that FWP already switched to the new computer database system that the county and Thompson Falls are moving toward. Hinck shared that there was definitely a learning curve but he has been happy with the resource.

Hot Springs Police Department cited a need for the ability to do toxicology readings independently. It was noted that toxicology readings are usually done at the hospital on the way to the jail, but by then the readings are 25-30 minutes after the incident.

As an added feature of the annual luncheon, recognition was given by each department head for exemplary performance in law enforcement and enforcing DUI laws. Nichols awarded Officer Jacob Winslow and commented that even though the officer is in his first year, he was able to tie as one of the top three DUI arrest officers in the county. Winslow had an added handicap in the count, since he was still in his probationary period of hiring for part of the year, as well as being off the street for five months as he was finishing up at the academy. Nichols also awarded Officer Logan Martin for the same honors. Martin works part time in the Thompson Falls department and in the Hot Springs Police Department.

Trooper Steve Spurr was not present to accept his award, but MHP Captain Jim Kitchin noted he is this district's high speed go-getter and does a lot along Highway 28 to keep drugs and drunk drivers off the road.

In the sheriff's office, four deputies were honored. Roy Scott and Corey Wheeldon were recognized for outstanding performance in law enforcement duties. Rummel noted that Wheeldon was a blessing to the office, as west end residents were requesting representation and the vacant position available required the applicant to live on that side of the county and Wheeldon was able to make it happen.

Longtime Deputy Rob Largent was given warm accolades for his steady service. Rummel then recognized his undersheriff, Lanny Hensley, joking that Rummel would never want his position since Hensley is in charge of the schedule for personnel. Hensley's experience prior to his county position was also acknowledged. Having served at an out-of-state department meant that he brought perspective and solutions that wouldn't necessarily be available otherwise.

McPherson shared that the DUI Task Force is proud to hold this annual event to recognize local law enforcement accomplishments and as a chance to voice concerns or ideas the organization could help with.