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Personal History

I grew up in Great Falls with two sisters and three brothers. My dad was in the auto repair business and mom ran the household. After school I would go to my dads shop to help clean tools and sweep the floor. During summer vacation I would work on my grandparents farm in northeastern Montana. As I got older I spent more time learning the family business. After high school I moved to Billings and worked with my older brother Dale learning the brake and alignment part of the auto repair business. I spent the next few years in Helena, Bozeman, Missoula and Billings, helping to open and manage shops in those cities. In 1983 I moved back to Billings and took over management of the shop here. Not long after that my dad bought S & P Brake Supply which I managed until October of 1989, which is when I was hired by the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office.

In 1992 I married my wife Tracy (Bernhardt), a local artist. We live on 20 acres northwest of  Billings with three horses, several cats and a dog named Jake.

Law Enforcement History

In 1985 I volunteered with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Reserve under then Sheriff Mike Schafer. I spent many hours riding patrol with full time Deputies who were willing to teach me the ropes. In less than 6 months I was patrolling Yellowstone County on my own. I helped by filling in when shifts were short or wherever help was needed. I even helped out in the old jail when they were short on manpower.

Then one day after leaving my regular job I stopped by the office just to check in. Nearly everyone in the office was on the phone including Sheriff Schafer. I was told that a young boy had fallen through the ice into the Yellowstone River and they were looking for divers. I told the Sheriff I was a diver and I went to get my equipment. I got to the river and searched under the ice where the boy had fallen in. Unfortunately, I was not able to find the boy and he did not survive the tragedy. While I was walking back to my truck I saw a woman coming towards me whom I believe was the boys mother. She was looking at me but all I could do was shake my head. Although I already knew this was a serious business, it was at that moment that it really sank in. That was 19 years ago this past February. During the next few years I took it upon myself to get certified as an emergency medical technician and upgraded my dive training. It was my intention to become a full time law enforcement officer.

On October 1, 1989 I went to work for the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office in the Drug Enforcement Division. I did undercover work, making cases against local drug dealers. It was while I was in the drug unit that I attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy  basic class #76. I finished near the top of my class and earned the academy firearms award. After leaving the drug unit I went to work in the patrol division. I volunteered to fill a spot as a resident deputy in eastern Yellowstone County. During that time I became a certified firearms instructor, a member of the river rescue crew, and for many years the only diver on the department; a job I continue to do to this day. I also installed and maintained the county’s in car video systems. I joined the tactical response team (SWAT) where I remained for about 13 years. I spent my last few years on the team as the team leader. On Oct. 1^st, 1994 I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and a few years later I was promoted to Lieutenant, the position I currently hold.

In 1994 I was presented with the Billings Optimist Club “Officer of the Year” award as well as the

St. Vincent Hospital “Life Saving Award”. I recently received the 2005 American Red Cross and St. Vincent Healthcare “Hero Award”.

I am very proud of my accomplishments during my more than 20 year affiliation with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.  I am a dedicated law enforcement officer and am committed to serving the citizens of Yellowstone County.