The Kalispell Police Department has a new interim police chief as of Friday, Nov. 30, when Patrol Capt. Tim Falkner accepted the temporary assignment after Interim Chief Wade Rademacher retired Thursday.

Falkner said Rademacher had been with the department about 24 years and that he has accepted a job with a local architectural company in Kalispell.

Falkner, who has been with the department for nearly 20 years, said he hasn’t applied to become the chief.

“I’m happy to support the new chief and I am happy with what I’m doing,” Falkner said.

Falkner said City Manager Doug Russell has received a number of applications for the position of new chief.

In October, Russell said interviews for the job wouldn’t begin until mid-January. The city suspended its search in June after it didn’t interview any of the candidates who submitted applications.

The position has been open since the end of 2017 when former Chief Roger Nasset announced he was leaving the Kalispell Police Department after a 24-year career with the department.

Falkner has served in many capacities with KPD, including patrol captain for the last 6 1/2 years, patrol sergeant, detective, student resources officer and SWAT team leader. He lived in Wisconsin before he moved to the Flathead Valley around 1996-97 with his wife, whose family is from Bigfork. They have two children, a son who is studying at Montana State University and a daughter who is in high school.

He has a military background and four years in the U.S. Navy, during which time he saw action in the Gulf War.

After moving to the valley, he also served in the National Guard for three years. Before entering the law enforcement field, Falkner worked in fire protection.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.