ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE MCGRATH
STATE OF MONTANA
FOR RELEASE: September 12, 2007
CONTACT: Lynn Solomon, 444-0582 or Judy Beck, 444-5774
Twelve New Troopers Join MHP
HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol recently welcomed 12 new troopers in a swearing-in ceremony and banquet.
Here's a list of new troopers, including hometown and station assignments.
| Name | Hometown | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Lacie Alby | Chewelah, WA | Kalispell |
| Brett Charvat | Dixon, IL | Bozeman |
| Philip Freed | Colusa, CA | Polson |
| Adam Kloster | Lakewood, WA | Bozeman |
| Scott McDermott | Arlington, MA | Forsyth |
| Nyle Obergfell | Culbertson | Sidney |
| Tim Proctor | Walla Walla, WA | Polson |
| Philip Smart | Missoula | Superior |
| Mark Tome | Billings | Hardin |
| Michael Walrath | Hinckley, OH | Bozeman |
| Shane Warehime | Potomac | Seeley Lake |
| Derek Werner | Poplar | Wolf Point |
Freed earned awards for "exemplary standards and performance" and for achievement in the physical fitness curriculum. McDermott was honored for outstanding work in the firearms parts of the training and Smart was recognized for academic achievement.
Ten of the new positions are the result of legislation passed by the Montana Legislature in 2005. That legislation – House Bill 35 – allowed the department to make Patrol pay competitive with the salaries offered by local law enforcement agencies. It also exempted the Patrol from vacancy savings provisions, allowing additional officers to be placed on the road.