Former Chief Garner running for state Legislature

Former Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner announced Wednesday he is running as a Republican for House District 7 in the 2014 election.  

Under Montana’s new redistricting plan, House District 7 encompasses much of the greater Kalispell area. 

“I have discussed this run with Representative Steve Lavin and Representative Randy Brodehl and understand they are running in House Districts 8 and 9, respectively, due to redistricting.”  Garner said.  

Garner, 51, currently is chief of security for Northwest Healthcare.

“Though I have never before sought political office, I can no longer sit idle while I see some in our legislature vote to take care of their own needs before they work on taking care of the needs of those they were elected to represent.”  Garner said in a news release.  

Garner has long been active as a community leader for groups including Kalispell Rotary, Evergreen Lions Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the C.A.R.E. Board, Montana Association of Chiefs of Police and Flathead Valley Community Foundation.

He and his wife, Teresa, have three grown children.

Garner served eight years as Kalispell police chief until 2006. He began his career with the Kalispell Police Department in 1986. 

Garner, a graduate of Flathead High School and Flathead Valley Community College, also spent a year in Afghanistan in 2007 as a police adviser.

For more information, go to www.frankgarner.org.