Nasset steps down from top police post

The leader of the Kalispell police force for more than a decade is stepping down.

Roger Nasset has been the Kalispell Police Department chief since 2006, and with the department for almost 24 years. On Dec. 28, he’ll be passing the baton and taking a job in the private sector. Nasset announced his decision at Monday’s City Council meeting.

He said he didn’t anticipate leaving the department so soon, but an attractive offer came up and it expedited his retirement plans.

“I didn’t plan to retire right now, but it is an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up,” he told the Inter Lake.

Nasset declined to go into detail about what his next job would be, other than it he would be focused on security and he would remain in the Flathead Valley.

“I’m not going anywhere outside the valley, I’ve built really good relationships here and I love it here,” Nasset said. “I’m going to stay involved in a lot of the things I’ve been involved in right now.”

The interim chief will be Administrative Captain Wade Rademacher. Rademacher was hired by the Kalispell Police Department in 1994.

Nasset said the ultimate choice for a replacement rests with City Manager Doug Russell, who is responsible for all municipal department heads.

Nasset’s tenure was a momentous one, as the department grew from 26 to 42 officers and the relationship between law enforcement and the public has been pushed to the front of a national debate over the way officers do their jobs. Kalispell has not been immune to those tensions, Nasset said, and it has been an interesting and challenging time to head a local force. It has required him and his officers to be nimble, and that quality is probably the biggest key for whoever replaces him, Nasset said.

Technology has also played a significant role in enhancing the way police investigate crimes and show transparency to the public.

Earlier this year, Nasset oversaw the introduction of about 10 body cameras to his police force. He also helped engineer a robust domestic violence program that has helped area law enforcement respond to the pervasive issue with a deft touch and in a proactive manner.

“I got to experience a lot of growth,” Nasset said. “It’s been just such a fruitful career.”

While he wasn’t planning on leaving as early as he is, he said he is looking forward to a less-complicated job. He said working as a police chief is “one of the most litigious jobs in the world,” and while he likes working for the residents of Kalispell, he is looking forward to having just one boss rather than answering to a whole city.

“I have 22,000 bosses, the taxpayers of Kalispell are really my boss, and as much as I enjoy that it will be nice to go to the private sector where that is a little bit more defined,” Nasset said.

He said that despite the constant change, his department has been training for the succession and he is proud of the degree to which he feels certain his departure won’t have an adverse impact on his department.

“What I will be most proud of is walking out the door knowing the department will not miss a beat. It’s always been succession training, having everyone prepared,” Nasset said. “It’s just like raising a child really. When they walk out the door and you know they will be OK, that is a good feeling.”

Nasset was born and raised in Montana, and was named Montana Police Officer of the Year in 2001. He replaced Frank Garner, who retired as chief in 2006.

Reporter Peregrine Frissell can be reached at (406) 758-4438 or pfrissell@dailyinterlake.com.