Mineral County Sheriff's Office profile: Eric Lindauer

Last month the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office raised the starting wage for dispatch and detention officers to $16.30 along with the great benefits package to spur interest in the positions that are available right now.

Sheriff Toth is in discussion with the county commissioners about hiring two more deputies that would bring the county to a standard of safety he feels is lacking due to the changing world we live in.

The county population has slightly increased, but the business of law enforcement had grown exponentially.

Eric Lindauer is the most recent deputy that has been hired for Mineral County and he has a running start.

“I think a strong advantage that I have is that I know the ins and outs of the jail procedures as well as working side by side with dispatch for a year. I think that will help me immensely in the field,” he said. 

Lindauer has worked as a county detention Officer and already knows the staff, equipment and procedures inside the sheriff’s office.

Now as a deputy, he’ll be the complete deal. Which has already proven advantageous for Sherrif Toth, but to Lindauer’s disadvantage as he is back as a detention officer until more are hired and trained.

Lindauer was born in Hillsboro, Oregon, but spent the majority of his childhood in Victor, Montana, where he went to school until transferring to Alberton and graduating from high school.

He has three brothers and one sister and recently became engaged. This union is bringing two children from each other’s past making a blended family facing the affordable housing challenge.

For the past 11 years he has worked for the family business, North West Home Care, based out of Missoula yet something was gnawing at him.

“I wanted to finally follow my dream job,” he explains as he got his foot in the door with the MCSO and has advanced to becoming a deputy.

He held that position for a few months and understands the needs of the department but is looking to the day he can be back on the streets. Eventually Lindauer attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy for three months, but today, he is on the front line of to ‘Protect and Serve.’

“I love Mineral County,” he beams. “The people here are very supportive of their law enforcement and that isn’t always the case elsewhere.”

If, and when, Lindauer finds any free time, he is very family focused.

“For starters I enjoy anything that has to do with my kids. Fishing, camping, hiking, basketball and music. I have played the drums since I was 5.” 

Deputy Lindauer is another young person who lives here for the lifestyle and recreational prospects.

“I am just excited to get out there and help the community in any way that I can. And mainly help to keep it safe for future generations.”