I am proud to be a lifelong conservative and cast my first vote for Ronald Reagan. The small town in Northeast California where I grew up instilled in me traditional values and beliefs that I still hold. After completing high school, I had the opportunity to travel through the beautiful northwestern part of Montana, from Choteau to Kalispell, and I was captivated by its natural beauty. While it wasn't practical for me to move here then, I knew I would likely return to this stunning part of the country.
The primary industries in my hometown were logging and ranching. Prior to a lengthy career in law enforcement, I worked in various fields, including farming, welding, equipment operation, press work, machining, and store labor.
I spent 30 years in law enforcement, starting in a three-person agency in a small Utah town and eventually moving to Washoe County, Nevada, where I served as a Sheriff's Deputy, retiring with the rank of Captain after 25 years.
During my tenure in law enforcement, I served in various departments such as Patrol, Detention, and Administration. I worked as a patrol officer, training officer, crime scene investigator, district court bailiff, hostage negotiator, bicycle patrol officer, and a boat and Sno-Cat operator under our Search and Rescue Division. As a Lieutenant, I commanded the Hostage Negotiation Team, wrote and managed grants, oversaw technology projects, and was the sheriff's office liaison with the general contractor on major building projects. As a Captain, I wrote the first significant patrol reorganization for the county in 20 years. When I was assigned to the Detention Division, I managed a team of over 200 sworn officers and oversaw a facility with a 1400-bed capacity. I was responsible for a budget of over $34 million and came in under budget for two consecutive years. As a fiscal conservative, I am a serious steward of the taxpayer's money. By my retirement, I received multiple service ribbons and the Meritorious Service Award.
After leaving law enforcement, I worked for a Risk Management company for three years. I helped develop policy manuals for public safety, including those for New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. I also assisted with manuals for Louisiana, Montana, and Texas. Before I retired, I was the Director of Content Development for the company.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master's in Management from the University of Phoenix. I attended the Senior Management Institute for Policing held at Boston University and am a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.
I enjoy traveling with my wife, Mary, to visit our children and grandchildren in my free time. I enjoy hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, motorcycling, golfing, and horseback riding. I am a member of the Back Country Horseman, the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club, and the Flathead County Republican Central Committee. I am also an associate member of the Flathead County, Republican Women and serve as treasurer for my local homeowners' association.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." I'm proud to call myself a Montanan. This quote resonates with me and drives me to work hard for the betterment of our community, and I will work hard as your House Representative.
Copyright © 2024, Steve Kelly for House District 9. All Rights Reserved.
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