Cahalen’s impressive resume shows she is qualifed to be sheriff

Evie Cahalen is a candidate for Flathead County sheriff. In a recent guest opinion, Rep. Steven Kelly questions Cahalen’s qualifications for the position. Examine the facts that show Cahalen has extensive, recent, relevant experience, training and education that qualifies her for Flathead County Sheriff. You can view her resume on her website.

After reviewing Cahalen’s resume it is obvious that Kelly’s statement that Cahalen has been “out of the profession for 20 years” is grossly inaccurate and a misleading characterization of Calahen’s abilities. Cahalen refused taking the Covid vaccine in 2021, therefore resigning from her law enforcement activities, but was able to serve on Flathead County Sheriff’s Advisory Board.

Kelly opines that Cahalen’s skills and experience in a “densely populated, urban jurisdiction” does not translate to Flathead County. Montana is third fastest growing state in the U.S. We have seen a building explosion and dramatic population increase in the Flathead Valley. Like it or not, this is not your grandmother’s Flathead County. Cahalen’s experience, skills and education translates directly to our rapidly growing community. Suggesting otherwise is ignoring the growth that has happened in Flathead County in the last few years.

The Sheriff’s Posse is made up of non-sworn volunteers. Cahalen proposes using the posse to supplement undercover operations in the same manner as neighborhood watch members: See something, say something. Kelly is wrong: It is not illegal or dangerous using non-sworn personnel with other teams such as search and rescue.

Cahalen stated that she supports additional and ongoing deputy training to ensure deputies understand best practices. In 2025, Kelly sponsored legislation for a joint resolution to improve investigative training in Montana. He seems in lock-step with Cahalen. It is confusing and misleading why he scolds Cahalen for suggesting improved training for the Flathead County deputies.

The sheriff’s responsibility is oversight and administration of the entire Sheriff’s office, not one specific department. The deputy coroner is responsible for investigating deaths, the jail commander is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the jail. The sheriff’s position is analogous to the president, whose responsibility is overseeing his cabinet. All offices within the sheriff’s department report back to the sheriff. The sheriff is not kicking down doors, making arrests, investigating deaths or locking up prisoners. The sheriff assigns competent officers to head those departments. Cahalen clearly has the experience, training and education to be sheriff.

Flathead County commissioners hired a company to oversee the jail construction process. There will be no loss of continuity as this project is, and always has been, under the purview of the county commissioners, not the sheriff. The sheriff has nothing more to do with construction of the jail. It is confusing why Kelly clearly implied the sheriff was still involved.

Two candidates are running for sheriff, and both are on the primary Republican ballot: The current sheriff and candidate Cahalen. Whichever candidate gains most votes on the Republican primary ballot will be the next Flathead County sheriff. 

Regardless for whom you vote, it is imperative you vote June 2 to have your voice heard. As Americans, it is our right, our responsibility and duty to vote. 

Compare qualifications of Cahalen with the current sheriff. Decide who is the most qualified. Cahalen knows what needs to be done; she knows how to do it because she has already done it. She is the best choice for sheriff.

Diane Belk lives in Marion.