Lt. Dave Phillips has been named the new undersheriff at the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, replacing John Stevens, who is taking over as director of the county Disaster Emergency Services department.

Phillips will take over as undersheriff on Jan. 13, 2018, according to Sheriff Bob Edwards. 

Phillips is bringing 24 years of law enforcement experience, supervisory experience and 15 years of budgetary experience to the position. 

Phillips became a member of CCSO in 1999 and made detective in 2002. He supervised supervisor the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Evidence Unit, until moving to the Training Division in 2006.  He was the Patrol Division Commander when he was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant.

Edwards said in a release that as of Nov. 27, he and Phillips and Stevens will be working side by side to start the transition. Phillips will be considered to be in a command role with the authority of the undersheriff until his effective appointment date.   

“Phillips has the experience, motivation and dedication to serve as my undersheriff and I am confident that Lt. Phillips will continue to help guide the Sheriff’s Office in an upward and positive direction while keeping the needs of the citizens of our great county at the forefront,” Edwards said in a release. 

Phillips started his law enforcement career in 1993 in Glasgow as a Valley County Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy and transitioned into a part-time position in the Sheriff’s Office and Glasgow Police Department. Phillips became a full-time patrolman with the Glasgow Police Department in 1994.

Phillips became a NRA firearms instructor in 1994 and has also been an instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

During his career, Phillips has been responsible for assigned duties including fleet manager, SWAT team member/leader, coroner, evidence custodian/tech, Crime Stoppers coordinator, hostage negotiator and a representative of CCSO on several community boards. 

He served as president of the Glasgow Police Protective Association for three years and the Cascade County Deputy Sheriffs Association for seven years dealing with labor issues and agreements, according to Edwards.

Phillips has received two Cascade County Commendation Awards, a Meritorious Service Award, a Life Saving Award and a State of Montana Medal of Valor.