Scott Kessel has been hired as the new patrol officer for the Libby Police Department, filling the position created by the retirement of former chief Jim Smith and the internal changes precipitated by it. Smith was replaced as chief by former patrol sergeant Terry Watson, who then promoted patrol officer Darren Short to the position of sergeant, creating an opening for a new patrol officer.

Kessel, who has been in law enforcement off-and-on since 1984, was most recently with the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office in Dillon. He is excited to be back in the northern part of the state and surrounded by trees.

“I like the small-town atmosphere,” he said. “I wanted to get away from the sage brush and back into the timber. I grew up in Oregon.”

In addition to his experience in law enforcement, Kessel is also a veteran of the United States Army and did a stint as a professional tile setter. He is divorced with an adult son and two grandsons who live in Dillon. He enjoys what he calls “the usual things,” such as hunting, fishing and scuba diving.

Watson said Kessel’s personality and experience make him the right man for the job.

“I think with his experience he’ll be a good fit, both for the department and for the community,” he said.

Kessel will be sworn in at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Libby City Hall and is excited to embark on this phase in his career.

“I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Libby,” he said. “With the knowledge and experience I have I think I have a lot to offer the department and the public I serve.”