Gallatin County Commission Appoints Interim Sheriff

The Gallatin County Commission has appointed Dan Springer to serve as the interim sheriff while commissioners work to appoint a permanent replacement for former Sheriff Brian Gootkin, who retired at the end of 2020.

Springer has served as Gallatin County Undersheriff since 2012. He has been with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office since 1996. During that time he has served as a patrol deputy, K9 officer, school resource officer, sergeant of the patrol and detective divisions, member and commander of the Special Response Team, commander of the Detention Center and the Missouri River Drug Task Force, and chief deputy coroner.

The Gallatin County Commission is now taking applications for candidates who want to be considered to be appointed to serve as sheriff through the remainder of Gootkin’s term, which expires at the end of 2022.

Commissioners will accept applications through the end of the day on Friday, Feb. 5. They will hold public interviews of finalists the week of Feb. 15, then aim to make their appointment at their regularly scheduled public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Interested candidates must be statutorily qualified for appointment.

Candidates must provide a resume, cover letter and references. Applications can be emailed to commission@gallatin.mt.gov, or mailed or dropped off in person to the Gallatin County Commission Office, 311 W. Main St., Room 306, Bozeman, MT 59715.