Introduction
Brian Gootkin is the sheriff of Gallatin County, Montana, since 2011.
Gootkin, an undersheriff until 2011, replaced the then-Sheriff Jim Cashell who retired in December 2011.
Early life and education
Gootkin grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut, and attended H. C. Wilcox Technical High School, in Meriden, Connecticut, until 1988.
From 1990 to 1993, he attended Park University, Missouri, and in 2010, he also earned credits from the University of Virginia, Virginia, and the Mountain State University, West Virginia.
He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1989, and in 1990, he was stationed in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana. Since then, he made Montana his home.
Career
After finishing his education, Gootkin was hired as a probationary Deputy Sheriff in 1993. From the years 1996 to 1999, he was a detective with the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
For the next four years, until 2003, he was a sergeant of the Patrol Division Canyon Section, Big Sky/West Yellowstone, Montana.
In 2003, he was assigned to Bozeman, Montana, to supervise multiple shifts after the resignation and retirement of two patrol sergeants.
After serving as the Lieutenant of the Detention Division from 2005 to 2010, he became the undersheriff of Gallatin County. He was promoted to be the sheriff of the county in December 2011.
Achievements
Gootkin has held leadership positions in Deputy Sheriff's Association of Gallatin County, Mountain States Tactical Officer's Association, and Montana Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association. In addition, he has been the board member of Montana Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Personal life
Gootkin is currently in a relationship with Judy Slate, a reporter for KBZK. He has a son and a daughter with his first wife Cori, whom he had married in 1992.