The Gallatin County Commissioners have appointed Dan Springer to serve as interim sheriff. Former Sheriff Brian Gootkin retired the last week of December after 27 years with the department to join new Governor Greg Gianforte's administration. The governor nominated Gootkin to run the Montana Department of Corrections.

Dan Springer was named interim sheriff on Monday. He will serve while commissioners to work to appoint a permanent replacement for Gootkin.

Springer has been with the Sheriff's Department since 1996 and has served as Gallatin County Undersheriff since 2012. During his time with the department, Springer has served as a patrol deputy, K9 officer, school resource officer, sergeant of the patrol and detective divisions, member and commander of the Special Response Team, commander of the Detention Center and the Missouri River Drug Task Force, and chief deputy coroner.

Applications to become Gallatin County's next sheriff are currently being taken. Gootkin's term would have expired at the end of 2022, so whoever takes his place will have to run to stay Sheriff next year.

Commissioners will accept applications through the end of the day on Friday, February 5. Public interviews with finalists are expected to take place the week of February 15th. The appointment of a new sheriff could be made at the Commissioners regularly scheduled public meeting on Tuesday, February 23.

Interested candidates must be statutorily qualified for appointment.

Candidates are required to provide a:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter with references

Applications can be emailed to commission@gallatin.mt.gov, or mailed or dropped off in-person to the Gallatin County Commission Office, 311 W. Main St., Room 306, Bozeman, MT 59715.

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