George Begins MHP Career in Glasgow

Christopher George, a 2010 Glasgow High School graduate, began a new career on Sept. 15, hitting the highway as a new member of the Montana Highway Patrol. He was one of 11 students graduated by the MHP on Sept. 3 in East Helena after completing 20 weeks of training.

George has several reasons for his new career choice, but first and foremost for him is being able to contribute to his hometown. "I wanted to do something to make a difference for the community," he explained, noting that working in law enforcement is something he has always wanted to do.

George had been working in a management position for a major U.S. corporation in Missoula, Mont., but said the job "wasn't very fulfilling." After seven years with the company, he began researching different options for his future, and managed to arrange a few ride-alongs with TJ Templeton, of Missoula MHP. "I was really sold on it," George said.

The new patrolman was drawn to the extensive training offered by MHP and the lengths the department goes to provide for their officers. "They're very good to you, as a state job," he said. "They bend over backwards for you, to get everything you need."

George considers himself fortunate to be given the opportunity to work for Montana Highway Patrol, explaining it was a competitive application process. He explained that the 12 hired in his MHP Class #68 came from a pool of 400 applicants. "It's a highly sought after position and I applied kind of on a whim," he said.

Glasgow was George's first choice for his initial station posting. "The nice thing about MHP is that it let us choose," he said. He was anxious to return to his hometown and give back. He and his off-the-clock partner, Melissa, have purchased a home in Glasgow for their family and are planning to live here "as long as we can."

"I enjoy coming home and seeing my family proud," George said of how his family is an important motivating factor for him. He said his oldest, Owen, seven, is a student at Irle School and already wants his father to come to show and tell.

George encourages anyone who has ever thought about a career in law enforcement to research Montana Highway Patrol. "We're always hiring," he said, "especially in the east. There's only a handful of us here." In fact, only two members of MHP Class #68 received initial duty stations in eastern Montana.

"If you want to keep up with MHP, check their Facebook page," he added, noting that was part of what got him started on his new career.