Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas presented her fifth annual Montana Mentor Award to Frank Garner, retired Kalispell chief of police, during the college’s 42nd commencement. 

Created in 2006, the Montana Mentor Award honors a community leader who every day inspires others through leadership, vision, integrity and passion and exemplifies the meaning of mentor. Garner is the first graduate of the community college to receive the award,

Karas recognized Garner for using his vision, leadership and passion to make a difference in the world. She acknowledged him as a rare individual who leads by personal example.

“Through humility, compassion and determination, he has successfully mentored many people here and on the other side of the world,” she said.

Karas said Garner held others accountable but knew when to offer encouragement. Calling him a mentor to young and old, she said he was willing to listen and offer advice on problems not matter how large or small.

She said Garner’s service ranged from traveling to Afghanistan to train the police force to shaving his head to raise money for a sick child through Kalispell Rotary.

“He never asks what is in it for himself,” she said.

Garner retired as Kalispell chief of police in 2006 after serving in the position since 1997. Prior to his promotion, he served in various roles on the force including patrolman, narcotics investigator, SWAT team leader, sergeant and detective.

During his career, Garner was actively involved in the D.A.R.E. program and in promoting aggressive drug interdiction, education and prevention. He presented numerous lectures on street drug use and abuse and was published in national publications on the subject.

He served as president of Montana Association of Chiefs of Police and as a certified police department assessor for the Western Regional Institute for Community Oriented Policing.

In 2004, Frank served as interim city manager for the Kalispell.

Garner, president of Kalispell Rotary, has served in many philanthropic organizations including the Evergreen Lions Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County. He was the youngest recipient to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Lions Clubs International’s highest award.