ST. IGNATIUS — A golfer and fly fisherman in his free time, it’s no surprise that new St. Ignatius police chief Aaron Frank decided to make the move to Lake County.

For about a month, Frank has been the man in charge in Mission and it’s an opportunity he’s relished since taking the reins.

“I love it,” Frank said. “It’s a beautiful area and community. The people are really nice and have been very receptive to a new officer here.”

Frank’s resume is stocked with two decades of experience. After graduating with a criminal justice degree from West Shore Community College in Scottville, Mich., he spent 15 years as a sheriff’s deputy before moving to northwest South Dakota for a police officer position for about five years.

“It always interested me,” Frank said. “I had a great guidance counselor at the college who got me more interested. It came really easy to me.”

After a lifetime in the Midwest, and in regular contact with a friend in Montana, Frank decided to jump at the opportunity in St. Ignatius.

“I’m a fly fisherman and I have a good friend who lives in Bozeman who had been trying to talk me into moving out here,” Frank said.

An outdoor fanatic, Frank’s transition to the area has been smooth thus far. In addition to being an avid fly fisherman, the Michigan native loves spending the summers hitting the links and is eager to check out what Big Sky Country has to offer throughout the year.

“I like the climate here,” Frank said. “I think it’s been a pretty mild winter, but it’s a great view; Glacier is close, I’m an outdoors person and love the activities that are available.”

Moving forward, Frank is hoping to bring the best that he can to his new community and provide an exemplary force that serves its people.

“I’m looking forward to having the police department be a professional and quality agency so its citizens know there’s a police department here that cares and wants to do a great job for them,” Frank said.

As for him, the new police chief is in unchartered water, but is ready to step up and be a leader.

“It’ll be a learning experience, but I’ll enjoy the challenge,” Frank said.