Thompson Falls Police Department back in full swing
Officers Hauke and Winslow being sworn into duty by Thompson Falls Mayor Mark Sheets (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Officer Luke Hauke ready for duty (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Officer Winslow ready for duty (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
From left, new Thompson Falls Police officer Luke Hauke, Police Chief Chris Nichols and officer Jacob Winslow. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Thompson Falls Police Department has welcomed two new officers to town as Mayor Mark Sheets officially swore in Jacob Winslow and Luke Hauke on Friday.
Both men have been involved in law enforcement and said they are excited to get around town and meet the locals.
Officer Winslow arrived to town from Kalispell. He said what makes Thompson Falls so appealing is that it is the right size to raise his family.
Originally from Libby, he mentioned that it’s small-town living that he and his wife truly enjoy.
Winslow, who is a retired National Guardsman, said that getting out and around to meet people has been a real treat.
“Everyone is very friendly and welcoming,” said Winslow.
Officer Hauke is also a fan of small-town living. He has been with law enforcement on and off for many years. Though he also said he is looking forward to becoming a part of the community.
Hauke arrived from Houston, though he is originally from Ohio.
The last place he served as an officer was a population around 1,900 people. He said he truly enjoys and loves small towns as much as the rest of the force.
Just like the new Chief of Police Chris Nichols, both of the new officers are eager to get to work.
They both look to bring crime down as well as looking after all residents of Thompson Falls.
When asked about how they will tackle crime, both officers agreed that no matter where you are, all local agencies generally work well together and utilize many skills across multiple platforms.
“We have a really diverse range of skills and resources here within Thompson Falls and Sanders County. We use them as well as we can and are we’re always mindful that we can stumble across anything that may not be considered safe for residents,” said Hauke.
As both new officers head into their second week with the Thompson Falls Police Department, they certainly seem to be ready to hit the pavement in getting to know the people as well as the town.