Fifth officer joins Libby City Police Department

The steady process of rebuilding the City of Libby Police Department continued last week when a new officer was sworn in.

Seth Power became the department’s fifth officer after he was sworn in by Chief Cody Ercanbrack on Monday, Dec. 4.

“I am very pleased to have Power on my team and I believe he will be a great addition to the department as well as an asset to the community,” Ercanbrack said in an email to The Western News. “The Libby Police Department is rapidly growing with strong passionate officers and I couldn’t be prouder.”

According to information from Ercanbrack, Power graduated high school in Virginia in 2007, then served his country in the U. S. Army from 2008 to 2013. Power was honorably discharged before moving to Washington where he worked as a tower technician.  

“Power moved to Libby seeking a better environment for his family. He worked for a local construction company before finding his calling in with the Libby Police Department,” Ercanbrack said.

Power will be attending the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in March. The course lasts 12 weeks. The academy training covers many topics, but in general, officers will practice and learn the following disciplines: law and criminal procedure, human behavior and social interaction, patrol operations, traffic enforcement, investigations, how to handle sexual assault cases, survival skills and health and wellness.

“I wanted to become a police officer because after I got out of the army, I still felt like I had something more to offer the town I live in,” Power said in an email. “It is an honor to be able to serve and protect the community.”

Caleb Thomas, who was sworn in at the beginning of July, graduated the state academy on Dec. 5 and is currently scheduled to finish his field training at the end of the month, according to Ercanbrack. 

Officer Don Luthey, who joined the force in September, has completed his field training and is full service now, Ercanbrack said.

That puts the department at five officers.

“I am looking at filling that sixth spot next year once Power is done with training,” Ercanbrack said.

Ercanbrack was named chief in late April. He replaced former Chief Scott Kessel, who parted ways with the city in the early part of the month after both sides approved a separation agreement. Kessel came under fire after three officers, Sgt. Chris Pape and officers Ian Smith and Cody DeWitt, quit the force on Nov. 21, 2022. 

The trio then penned a letter that was published in the Western News on Dec. 27, 2022. It detailed some of their issues with Kessel. They included concerns with his leadership, forced overtime, not assisting with patrol responsibilities and giving incorrect direction regarding policy and procedure. The news was not announced by city officials until after a social media post revealed the information on Dec. 3, 2022.

Then former officer Joshua Brabo left the force this spring, leaving Sgt. Ron Buckner as the lone officer on the force at the time.

Ercanbrack said he is pleased with the men who have joined the force. 

“It is inspiring to see community members who have heeded the call to serve. They have placed their families and themselves second in service of our beautiful home,” Ercanbrack said. “It is an honor for my officers and I to hold the responsibility of protecting this community. You have placed an immense amount of trust in us and the badge is heavy with responsibility, but my team is up to the task. We expect the community to hold us to the highest of standards as I expect my officers to maintain high levels of professionalism and discipline no matter the situation. We will work diligently to earn the trust of the community and we are so grateful for your support and patience.”