We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
L-R: Tanner Gomke, Austin Chookomoolin and Justin Gomke represent just part of a group of Chinook High School graduates who have gone into Law Enforcement.
The Gomke family has a long history of public service in law enforcement. Pictured above are (L-R) Justin, Tim, Debbie and Tanner Gomke.
Before they were serving their communities in various law enforcement capacities, Austin, left, Tanner and Brandon were often seen attending traditional high school events.
In last week's edition of the Blaine County Journal~News Opinion we recognized a group of past Chinook High School graduates that have went on to serve the public in Law Enforcement. We highlighted the fact that three graduates of the class of 2010 and the class of 2014 have done just that. Other graduates have gone on to serve the public in law enforcement or by joining the armed forces. Some of these individuals have chosen to remain silent while others have chosen to share their story.
In last week's edition we highlighted the career of 1994 graduate Corey Matkin as well as 2014 graduate Brandon Murnion. Matkin recently retired from the Hill County Sheriffs Department while Murnion was sworn in August 4 to the City of Havre Police Department. We also featured Willie Miller who is currently serving as a MFWP Game Warden in the Chester area.
This week we will look at the service of Justin Gomke (2010), Austin Chookomoolin (2014) and Tanner Gomke (2014), Justin's younger brother. The Journal would also like to recognize Donnie Kokkeler, a 2010 graduate, currently serving as a Blaine County Deputy Sheriff.
Tim and Debbie Gomke heavily influenced both Justin and Tanner in their decision to go into law enforcement and both are very glad they did. Justin Gomke's pursuit of a career in law enforcement began at an early age. A sixth-grade assignment asking him what he wanted to become put him on the path, "Obviously a cop was my first choice. I think both of our parents being in Law Enforcement sparked my interest to follow the path. Upon graduation in 2010 Justin began his quest, "I did ride alongs and filled out applications. I interviewed for two other agencies before I was hired by the Fort Benton Police Department in May of 2011."
Justin then attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA), followed by field training. After serving the people of Fort Benton for two years Justin accepted a position with the Havre Police Department in 2013 where he serves today as an acting sergeant. Justin loves the job and all that it entails, "My Favorite part of Law Enforcement is how every day can be something different. Your shift could be slow one day with nothing going on and the next day could be insanely busy. Every call is different and it's never the same. Our job is to protect and serve the community. I believe we all strive to do this to the best of our abilities."
While Justin is the first of six to go into law enforcement from CHS in a span of just five years, he isn't sure if his choice influenced the others, "I'm not sure if me being the first influenced Brandon, Austin and Donnie or not. I do believe me being in Law Enforcement played a major factor and influenced Tanner to follow the same path. Tanner got to see firsthand what it was like. Tanner did numerous ride alongs with me when I worked in Fort Benton as well as Havre."
Tanner Gomke was set on following the family tradition, "With both of my parents both active in the field while I was growing up, I was around it constantly. There was just something about it, I don't know how to describe it. I know it sounds cheesy, but I also wanted to continue on with the family tradition." Tanner ended up following a similar path to begin his career, "My Dad started as a Detention Officer with the Hill County Sheriff's Office and worked his way onto the street. Starting my career at the Detention Center wasn't my initial plan, but now, looking back and seeing how much it helped me mature to where I am now., that's what I would recommend to anyone looking to start out."
Tanner was hired by the Hill County Detention Office in August of 2014. He went through all the necessary training and remained at the detention facility until March of 2017. In April of 2017 he began his current job as a Patrol/Field Training Officer with the Sidney Police Department. "My favorite area of the job is interacting with children. I want to show them at an early age that the Police are who they can turn to for help, if they need it."
Upon graduating, Austin Chookomoolin was up in the air with two different career paths, the military or law enforcement. He enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard his senior year where he was trained as an All-Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. After returning to Montana he hired on with the Hill County Sherriff's Office in August of 2015. "There was never a doubt about me getting into Law Enforcement. I knew I would have to overcome obstacles in order to achieve my goal of becoming a sworn Peace Officer of the State of Montana."
Austin credits friends and family with his career path, "I have also been friends with Tanner and his family since elementary school, and they have 'years' of Law Enforcement experience. I have family back home in Canada in Law Enforcement roles, great uncle and a cousin with the Ontario Provincial Police and another cousin with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS).
Austin started out at the detention center and completed all required training, but he wanted to take on more responsibility and applied to become a Hill County Sheriff Deputy. In November of 2017, Austin was rewarded with the position where he still serves today.
"My favorite part of the job helping a community and its members when they need help most. As a Law Enforcement professional, I hold myself to me more morally and ethically upstanding than the average man or woman. I have to be selfless, meaning I have to help someone and put their problems before my own. Going home at the end of the day knowing I did the most I could to help people is my favorite feeling," Austin concluded.
