Overman named police chief

The city of Kalispell has a new chief of police and it’s a man who is well-known in the community.

Kalispell Police Department Capt. Doug Overman will take over as chief Monday, Jan. 21, City Manager Doug Russell announced Wednesday.

“After initiating a nationwide search, reviewing 58 applications and undertaking a process where selected applicants went through three separate interview sessions and a community open house, the city of Kalispell is pleased to announce the promotion of current captain, Doug Overman,” Russell said in a statement. “Doug has been with the city of Kalispell since 2000, working in various capacities for the Kalispell Police Department. Doug’s engagement with the employees, community and respective partners will be an asset to the organization as he begins his tenure as the chief of police.

“He demonstrates a character and skill set that will provide for successful leadership of the department,” Russell added.

Overman was chosen over John Wesley Bruce, the current chief of police in Frisco, Texas.

“I’m relieved the whole process is done and I’m optimistic to move forward,” Overman said. “I’m super excited the City had the faith and trust in me.

“We want to continue to do good things for the city and we’ll have some conversations about evolving and changing as a department in the future,” Overman said.

Overman has extensive experience in law enforcement and public safety work.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology in 1995 from the University of Montana.

There is little he hasn’t done with the Kalispell Police Department since joining it in 2000. He has served on the Major Crime Unit, was a School Resource Officer and coordinator, detective, hostage negotiator, bike patrol instructor and coordinator, and patrol sergeant.

Overman has been the investigations captain since 2016. He was also named the Montana Police Officer of the Year.

Prior to joining KPD, Overman was a wildland firefighter with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, a case manager with Missoula Correctional Services and a probation and parole officer with the Montana Department of Corrections.

Overman also has been very active in the community, volunteering with numerous groups, including Cub Scouts, Flathead CARE, Faith Free Lutheran Church, Flathead Cycling Club and Foys to Blacktail Trails.

It’s been more than a year since former Chief Roger Nasset stepped down after nearly 24 years with the department, including 12 as chief.

Up until a little more than a month ago, the interim chief was Administrative Capt. Wade Rademacher. Rademacher retired from the department in November 2018. Tim Falkner filled in as interim chief after Rademacher retired, but said previously he was not seeking the chief position.

Falkner will take over as Administrative Captain and Brett Corbett will be the new Patrol Captain.

Overman said the next step is to fill the vacancy for the Investigations Captain.

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