Woman recognized for years of service on police commission

A Kalispell woman was recognized Monday for serving nearly four decades on the city’s police commission, a volunteer body that helps screen and interview candidates for the police force.

Police Chief Roger Nasset presented a plaque to Joan Jellison at the Kalispell City Council meeting to thank her for her years of service. She has stepped down after 37 years on the commission.

“This lady has been a tremendous asset to the city and the police department,” Nasset said. “Her dedication has been unparalleled.”

Kalispell’s most senior member of the police force, Assistant Chief Roger Krauss, retired last week after 36 years on the job. Nasset said Jellison hired every current member of the police force going back to his time.

Nasset presented Jellison with a plaque with a picture of a young boy on it, who represents the community, and an officer, who represents the police force, saying she did her best to protect both.

He recalled six months ago when a hiring was scheduled and Jellison was laid up with an injury and in a lot of pain.

“I called her up and she said, ‘I’m going to be there.’ And she showed up on time, set in her chair for eight hours diligently doing the same job she’s done for the last 37 years,” Nasset said. “The least we can do is recognize her here tonight.”

Jellison said it was a pleasure to be involved with the city’s business for so many years. She was appointed by Mayor Norma Happ in 1975.

“I felt that I was contributing to the city in the best way I knew how.”

Jellison was the first woman to be appointed to serve on the police commission and said she’s happy to hear that another woman may be filling her position.

“I want to thank you all and the police department, because they are superior and I’m very, very proud of them. I read all this that comes out in the newspaper and I just think, ‘They’ll take care of it. It’s OK.’”

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.