Dial retires after 20 years as Whitefish police chief
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 11 months AGO
Whitefish police Chief Bill Dial speaks in a 2015 file photo. Dial abruptly retired on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, after 20 years with the police department. (Whitefish Pilot)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 6, 2021 9:24 AM
Whitefish police Chief Bill Dial abruptly retired from the police department on Wednesday.
Though Dial had mentioned at recent city meetings that he planned to retire this year, his departure seemed sudden. He had served in the position since 2001.
City Manager Dana Smith announced Dial's retirement in a press release Thursday afternoon but offered no explanation for the timing.
"I was notified yesterday of his retirement," Smith told the Whitefish Pilot.
Smith has appointed Assistant Chief Bridger Kelch as interim police chief while the city prepares to fill the position permanently.
"We have the full faith and confidence in Bridger Kelch's ability to lead the department and ensure a seamless transition for our officers and the city," Mayor John Muhlfeld said in a statement. "Our citizens and residents are fortunate to be served by such a distinguished, well-trained and professional department."
Dial worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years, according to a biography on the city's website. He began his career with the Illinois State Police, where he worked as a patrol officer, undercover drug agent and criminal investigator. He commanded two drug task forces and the agency's training bureau, and was the administrative commander of a suburban Chicago patrol district.
Dial has a master's degree in education from Northern Illinois University and graduated from the Illinois State Police Command College. Before becoming a police officer, he taught high school for nine years.
During his tenure in Whitefish, Dial in 2007 was granted a leave of absence to serve a year in Afghanistan as a contractor teaching modern policing.
In 2019, Dial personally sued Whitefish businessman and philanthropist Michael Goguen in Flathead County District Court, claiming Goguen attempted to derail a 2017 criminal investigation and also have Dial fired from his job.
In court records, Goguen has denied Dial's claims, saying the lawsuit was an attempt to retaliate against him for making complaints about Dial's performance as a public servant.
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish City Council set to approve draft budget
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to approve a $63.4 million preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.
Whitefish considers annexation for land on south entrance
Whitefish City Council on Monday will decide whether to annex about 18 acres of land on the south entrance of the city.
Senior Spotlight: Glacier High School student looks to use science to help others
Knowing she wanted to help others, there was a time when Anitha Ravipati considered pursuing a career as a medical doctor. But applying her science acumen during an internship last summer opened the possibility of assisting through research.