Kalispell resumes job search for top cop

The city of Kalispell has resumed its search for a new police chief.

The city suspended its search in June after it didn’t interview any of the candidates who submitted applications.

On Tuesday City Manager Doug Russell said the city wants to have a new chief in place as soon as possible, but said interviews for the job won’t begin until the middle of January.

The position has been open since the end of 2017 when former chief Roger Nasset announced he was leaving the Kalispell Police Department after a 24-year career with the department.

The qualifications haven’t changed, according to Russell. The minimum standards include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven years experience in law enforcement, five of which should be at the sergeant level or higher.

The salary range for the non-union position is pegged at $84,975 to $108,775 per year, which is a slight increase from what it originally was after a 1.5 percent increase that went into effect in July for an annual pay increase for city employees.

The application deadline is Friday, Nov. 9.

Administrative Captain Wade Rademacher currently is serving as interim chief.

Russell complimented Rademacher for his work.

“Wade has done a great job and it has allowed us to take our time with this process,” Russell said. “It’s been a pretty nice luxury to have.”

In June, Russell said it was worth taking more time for the search to “identify the full scope of qualities and abilities to facilitate long-term success.

“Watching how the department has worked since then has better refined what we are looking for in a chief,” Russell said. “It’s really been a luxury to have the leadership we have with our three captains to run the department while we work to find the best match for the job.”

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.