The Missoula County Commissioners recently funded three new positions within the Sheriff’s Office for a combination of school resource officers in the fall and recreation area officers in the summer.

Missoula County Undersheriff Rich Maricelli introduces the new officers who are beginning their duties at county schools this year.

“The first one is Deputy Scott Rasmussen and he’ll be working in the Frenchtown area with the three different schools, the Frenchtown elementary, middle and high schools,” said Maricelli. “The next officer is Deputy Christine Hettman. Deputy Hettman is going to be working in the Clinton, Bonner and Potomac areas. The third deputy will be Deputy Tyler Tirrell, who will be working at Target Range Elementary, as well as Lolo and Woodman Schools.”

Maricelli described the school resource officer’s responsibilities while they are embedded in the various county schools.

“The biggest thing they’ll be doing is interacting with the student bodies and building and developing relationships, obviously with an emphasis on visibility and security for the schools, the students of course, and the faculty,” he said. “They’ll be available for students when various situations come up. One of the deputies plans to get involved with the Frenchtown wrestling program.”

Maricelli said all three deputies have received school resource officer training during a specialized course in Washington State.

When the school year is over, the three will be assigned to river and public safety at main recreation areas throughout the summer.

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