Longtime detention officer has been mentor to many

He’s had nicknames such as “Shotgun,” “Mad Dog” and “Shakedown.”

After 25 years working in the Flathead County Detention Center, it’s little wonder Sgt. Michael “Mick” Scheulen, 56, has more than one moniker.

On Dec. 15, Scheulen marked one quarter century of working in the jail.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long,” Scheulen said. “My handcuffs are older than some of our detention officers.

In May Scheulen will retire from the county, but he knows he will stay busy.

“I will do some kind of work, but whatever it is, I will stay busy,” Scheulen said.

Scheulen has worked under four different sheriffs, including Jim DuPont, Mike Meehan, Chuck Curry and current Sheriff Brian Heino, and four different jail commanders, the latest being Jen Root Grande.

Scheulen has been married for 16 years, has six kids, three grandchildren and one on the way. At his home there are cows and goats and a few horses he and his family have rescued.

The Butte native spent one year at Montana Tech before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. A career of eight-and-one-half years took him to Korea and Japan before he finished up in Las Vegas.

Construction work brought him to the Flathead Valley, but Scheulen said he got tired of being off during the winters, so he looked into working in the detention center.

“I never looked back,” he said.

While technology has changed inside the jail, Scheulen said the biggest difference is the nature of people.

“It used to be that most who came here had an alcohol problem, but drugs are what brings most people to us,” he said. “The property crimes which are associated with drug activity have increased quite a bit.”

Scheulen echoed a familiar refrain among those working with troubled people, saying “We see a lot more cases involving mental illness.”

Detention Commander Jen Root Grande said the unit is losing a great asset.

“He’s the kindest person you’d meet,” she said. “He’s not a judgmental person and he has worked with so many officers, showing them how it’s done.

“He’s taught us to treat those who come here with respect and there’s no question Mick helped me grow as an officer,” Root Grande said.

Scheulen said he values his time working at the jail.

“I’ve met a lot of good officers and I’ve been fortunate to see people get cleaned up and help others who are going through similar problems,” Scheulen said. “But family support has been a true key in working a job like this.

“You make a lot of sacrifices, but it’s been a privilege to work with the people I’ve worked with and watch them grow. I’ll definitely miss them.”

Scheuler’s hobbies will also keep him busy. The outdoorsman, who has two elk to his credit, prefers to spend free time hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or shindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.