Columbia Falls selects new police chief

Clint Peters has been appointed the new chief of the Columbia Falls Police Department. 

Peters was hired on Monday by the city council.

“The City was very pleased with the quality of the candidates for the police chief position,” City Manager Susan Nicosia said in an email about the hiring. “Mr. Peter’s employment with the City of Whitefish made him a well-rounded candidate with experience as a school resource officer, drug team member, training officer and supervisor. His 13 years in city policing and his demonstrated leadership abilities with the training provided in his current position, established Mr. Peters as the top candidate.”

Peters, 36, has lived with his wife and four daughters in Columbia Falls for the past 12 years. He is a graduate of Whitefish High School and has worked for the Whitefish Police Department for the past 12 years, with seven years as patrol sergeant. He was previously a school resource officer and a member of the Northwest Drug Task Force.

“Columbia Falls has really become home to me,” Peters said. “I really wanted to be part of the community.”

Peters said he wants to “build an institution the community can be proud of,” as he takes the helm of the department.

“I’m excited,” Peters said. “I can’t wait to get to work. I truly am proud to be serving (the people).”

Peters does not have a definite start date, but he expected to start his new position sometime around the first part of December.

Peters replaces longtime chief Dave Perry, who was fired in July, two months after an inmate escaped the city’s jail in May.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.