City of Libby seeking police commissioner

With one of its three police commissioners set to retire. the City of Libby is looking for a replacement.

Marv Sather is soon to leave the police commission, leaving Rob Dufficy and Bill Cunnane. Libby Mayor Brent Teske said he hopes to hear from people interested in joining the commission by the end of May.

“We’d like to see the position filled,” he said.

The existence of a police commission is locked in by state law that requires it for all cities and some towns. The role of a police commissioner varies city by city, but the law specifies the commission to help screen police job applicants and assist with grievance proceedings and issues such as injury or disability claims within police ranks.

“This is a civilian, volunteer position and in my opinion it is often underutilized,” said Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel. “I use the commissioners as a liaison and go-between with the City Council, not because there is any problem with the line of communication but because sometimes it’s more efficient to have the commissioners represent the force.”

Kessel said the Libby role requires very little in terms of hours and that the main qualification is having “common sense — something that’s good to have in any position.”

Teske affirmed the position is “not a day-to-day one,” adding that “Scott (Kessel) is utilizing the commission’s differently than we have in the past.”

“We are a small department and the commissioners are an asset to us,” Kessel said. “I give an expanded role to the commissioners compared to other departments. We don’t have much of a budget and last year the commissioners were able to solicit donations and update our office furniture, which was a real help.”

Teske said the position, once filled, will expire in May 2020 and is subject to council approval.

For more information or to apply, call the city offices at 406-293-2731.