Fairview chief of police released of duties

BY LINDSEY BRIGHT
Published on Saturday, June 28, 2008 8:43 PM MDT

Sidney Herald

The Fairview City Council called a special meeting last week to discuss matters concerning the swimming pool and law enforcement. Mayor Bryan Cummins said that it was decided by the council to release Chief of the Fairview Police Department Curt Myhre.

"I did not resign," Myhre said. "I was released."

Myhre

Myhre had not graduated from the police academy when he was hired onto the force.

"When a peace officer has not graduated from the academy, they have one year to graduate from the academy," Fairview city attorney Mike Weber said. "A 180 day extension can be given and was given." Under state law, no further extension can be given.

Montana law states that any peace officer who fails to complete the basic course at the academy within the one year and six months given forfeits the position, authority and arrest powers.

"The six-month extension is given because of high turnover rates," Myhre said. "We needed to have somebody running the show while I went to the academy."

Myhre's extension ended midnight June 26, after which he can no longer be a police officer. Myhre had graduated from the academy in the past, but since his retirement lasted more than 60 months, it was required by Montana statute that he must be go through basic training at the law enforcement academy. Myhre had failed to pass the physical examination in March, which prohibited him from attending the 12 week course at that time.

"If I had passed, I probably would have graduated by now," Myhre said.

After Myhre failed the physical pre-test, the law enforcement academy sent a person to help Myhre prepare for another physical fitness pre-test. The law enforcement basic training course is offered three times during the year and is a 12 week course. In order to gain admittance into the course, the physical pre-test must be passed. The pre-test is offered 45 days prior to the start of the basic training course in several different locations across Montana.

"When any individual has difficulty passing the pre-test, we extend an offer to help them," Rick Layng, program manager for the Montana Law Enforcement's basic training course, said. "We make the offer to anybody having difficulty passing the test."

The academy employs an officer who is a certified personal trainer. Jeff Douglas gave Myhre some ideas on a diet and exercise that would help Myhre pass the pre-test. "We try to create an environment where officers can succeed," Layng said.

Layng said that a slot was held open for Myhre until the very last minute. Myhre tested four times and failed to pass the pre-test.

Due to not being able to pass the pre-test, Myhre could not be admitted into the basic training course in time to graduate by June 26.

"The council decided to release him," Cummins said. "He was present at the meeting, and said that he'll be handing in his resignation."

"The council told me that I could stay on until the 26th," Myhre said. "The council did say I could attend the academy on my own and then reapply for the position," Myhre says, but he would have to pay for the academy. The city would not sponsor him. Myhre is presently unsure of what he will do next but says he has thought about work in the oil field.

reporter@sidneyherald.com

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

just a note wrote on Jul 7, 2008 4:49 PM:

" I am thinking Curt, must have busted someone who is on the "list" and wouldn't be pushed around.
I also think that there are quite a few of the Sidney Cops who wouldn't/couldn't pass the physical if given it today. But the way I understand it once you pass the academy you never have to take the physical again..... "

BLD wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:06 PM:

" LDD- You are right on the mark!! Its easy to complain and tough to act. The work (and commitment and patience and dangerous conditions and...) that police officers endure is so very under-appreciated. "

ds wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:26 AM:

" I too have read with interest the comments that have been given. The mark of a true professional is not one who would graduate from an academy, and then become obese and so out of shape they have a hard time bending down to tie there shoes. A true professional would take pride in their appearance and the ability to do their job.

So if law enforcement officers want to be called "Professionals" they might want to start "walking the talk". You are not going to gain respect by allowing yourself to swell up to 300 pounds and look like a slob.

The prowler we had a few years ago would have loved to see one of our big boys pull up to the house he was peeking into. This is why they need to be in shape, to do what they were paid to do. "

Thank you LDD wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:23 AM:

" Finally someone with some good common sense!!! People need to realize that the Town of Fairview is not just "picking on" Chief Myhre. I think their hands were tied....If a person wanted to be a lifeguard but couldn't pass their swimming test would you still put them at the pool anyway because they were such a "nice person". I know if that happened I wouldn't want to send my kids to the pool. All the people posting negative stuff about the officers now are the ones that probably wouldn't last a DAY in the line of work they do. So go clock in to your "8 to 5" jobs and let the officers take care if the rest.... "

AJO wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:56 AM:

" To qqqq, what has Russell Passed? "

Baird Brown wrote on Jul 3, 2008 6:15 AM:

" Sad to here all the way from California that Chief Myhre was removed. Just a side note from a person who with first hand knowledge of the council and getting to meet with them once. Offensive as this is for everyone the team concept Curt your word means more to me then the council ever will. Good luck in the future it can only get better. "

LDD wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:06 PM:

" I have read with interest some of the comments, many of which are definate attitude ones. Local Law Enforcement does a fine job. If you so unhappy with the quality I would challenge someone to step forward. Apply for the Sidney Police Dept, the Fairview Police Dept or run for sheriff. It is easy to sit back and complaint but are you complainers the ones out all night, holidays. I know, call a bartender to settle your complaints or investigate the accident you or your child has been in. Stop and think about what you are saying. Look at the stats, see how local Law Enforcement compares nationally.
There was a time when there were no physical standards for hiring. BUT there are now. So as a special note to T. Herman, All of the street officers for the SPD and RCSO have recently completed the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. You notice I said, completed. This means that they DID pass the physical requirements. Could you, Mr. T. Herman?
Could you have a person in your face calling your names, using profanities and threatening your family without losing your temper. Could you handle seeing badly injured accident victims? Abused or dead babies?
THINK before you talk.
Richland County should be proud of its Law Enforcement. No, they are not perfect but who among us is? Who among all the critics could do the job? "

qqqq wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:28 AM:

" AJO check your records... Russel has passed and has the requirments to be a police officer... "

AJO wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:57 AM:

" I would take it a step further, and require law enforcement officers to pass a physical fitness test at least once a year. Imagine if you can, your local law enforcement officers attempting this, wouldn't that be a sight.

I have a hard time understanding why Fairview would hire Russell as a part timer, and who is now filliing in as chief.
Shouldn't these people have to pass some sort of medical exam before being given a badge and a gun. I would think the liability issues should be something the city of Fairview would be concerned with. "

Retired LEO wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:10 AM:

" I understand that Chief Myhre is and was a good Chief. Several years ago Fairview tragically lost another wonderful person and respected Chief, Orville Sharbono. Things have changed over the years. When Chief Sharbono started his career, there were no physical standards for Law Enforcement. If the same requirements today were in effect when Chief Sharbono started, He may have faced the same fate as Chief Myhre. I have always wondered why an elected Sheriff is not required to attend and pass the basic academy in Montana. Good Luck Chief Myhre and thank you for your service to The citizens of Fairview. "

Monica Mocko wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:31 PM:

" In response to the Fairview resident, the state didn't decide to let the chief go. The state sent Jeff Douglas to train him AFTER he failed, so he wouldn't fail in August. He only took the test ONCE. He failed ONCE. The article was incorrect on that fact. It was a four part test. He failed two of the four parts the one and only time he took the test, which was in March. "

OU wrote on Jul 1, 2008 12:44 PM:

" Well stated bb. I'm just wondering if denny was punsihed for touching one off in the law enforcement building. Wasn't there some deputy in the past that was severely punished for having worn tires. Must be one of those things where you crucify and put in the paper about the guy you don't like and coverup your buddy. Typical local law enforcement. Maybe the newspaper should ask the sheriff what happened. Isn't the puclic, like a worn tire. Fairview has has problems in the past with officers passing physicals haven't they? "

Amy Rapp wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:33 AM:

" I enjoy reading all of your comments. Sounds like you all know what it takes to be a good cop and how the hiring and firing should go. I wonder if any of you would like a job? There are some openings in Fairview. Wonder if you would put your life on the line for what these guys get paid?
Oh, and, T. Herman, just wanted tolet you know, Russel...? Well, he's filling in for the chief! As, mentioned above, there are some positions open! "

wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:28 AM:

" I agree that physical fitness requirements should be in place for law enforcement, and firefighters (yes, even volunteer). I would like to see physical fitness standards expanded to those who work in the hospitality industry (chubby servers make me loose my appetite), and summer recreation workers (chubby lifeguards are just plain unsightly). "

TM wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Interesting comment by BB, wonder if Sheriff Baisch did the right thing, and followed up with a letter of reprimand to Denny.

Yeah, like that was going to happen. "

Fairview resident wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:56 AM:

" I also agree with Monica that your article was very informative. Nothing like what I have been hearing on the street about the situation. Someone took the time to gather information from several sources. As far as Monica blaming the mayor and council for releasing Chief Myhre from his position, it sounds like to me that the state made that decision for them. It sounds like they gave the chief all the time they could to qualify for the academy, even the academy worked with him. A governing board has to make hard decisions many times. Sounds like after 18 months ,4 failed tests and having to forfeit his position as a police officer, this was one of those times. The town probably needs a Police Chief now, not maybe one down the road. "

BB wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:22 AM:

" It is obvious that Chief Myhre was not going to pass the physical fitness requiremnets mandated by the state. He knew what was ahead of him when he signed on, this shouldn't have come as a "big" surprise, no pun intended. People in law enforcement need to be able to do the job they were hired to do.

We hire people to serve and protect, not to get fat and lazy. These people also carry firearms, makes you wonder how they do in this department. Don't want to mention any names, but ask DENNY how he managed to blow a hole in a wall in the law enforcement building not that long ago. "

LD wrote on Jun 30, 2008 5:22 PM:

" Three cheer's for the comment by T. Herman. There should be physical fitness requirements for law enforcement officers. I personally would not want "Fat Boy's" responding to my residence in a moment of crisis. There is more to law enforcement then being a "nice guy", you should be able to do the job, and not have to roll out of the car when you roll up to a call. "

Upset wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:40 AM:

" This is too bad because Curt is a great guy and a great police officer. I personally feel he was a great law enforcement representative for Fairview and hate to see him go. "

Monica Mocko wrote on Jun 29, 2008 10:41 PM:

" Well written article. It's too bad the mayor and council changed their minds at letting Myhre stay and attend the acadamy in September, which they agreed to do at the March meeting. What possibly could have changed from March to June?? Could it be in March you didn't want a fight on your hands with so many people attending the meeting?? Seems wrong to get rid of a man that wants the job and does it so well to FIRE him because you changed your mind. Why did you refuse to test him when he asked you to test him at the meeting. It was said an improvement was needed by June. All of this was discussed at the March meeting. It was decided that the Chief could stay and retest in August and attend in September. Why go back on your decision? I wonder why the council and mayor didn't give us citizens more notice of this meeting. Twenty four hours would be nice the next time unless it was done to keep us out. I think Fairview citizens need to know what kind of council and mayor we have so we can make changes in the future. I am really disappointed in the mayor and city council of Fairview. I feel sorry for the future chief. He has no idea what he is in for. "

T.Herman wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:18 PM:

" I dout that all of the Sidney police force could pass the physical fitness test today if they were given it.I'll mention no names......BOB or....RUSSEL.When I was a kid growing up in Sidney,officer Schmitty couldn't even hardly get out of the car.He's not there anymore I know but he never should have gotten hired in the first place. "

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