Kalispell confirms two police officers; council appoints Mitchell Bump to tourism business improvement district

The Kalispell City Council confirmed two police officers and appointed a member to the city’s tourism business improvement district at the meeting.

Officers confirmed Chief Venezio presented Officer Connor McKinnon and Officer Matthew Pratzel for confirmation as patrol officers, saying both had completed their probationary periods. In his remarks, Chief Venezio recommended confirmation: "It's recommended counsel confirm both officer Connor McKinnon and officer Matthew Pretzel as police officers with the Kalispell Police Department," he said.

Officer Connor McKinnon described his background, including more than seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps and subsequent move to Montana to pursue law enforcement. Chief Venezio said McKinnon "has become a reliable and valuable member of our team at KPD." Officer Matthew Pratzel, a fourth‑generation Montanan, said he appreciated the department taking a chance on him despite his lack of prior law enforcement experience and thanked his family and the department for their support.

Confirmation took place as part of the consent agenda; the consent agenda passed on a roll call vote and included the confirmations.

Appointment to tourism business improvement district Mayor Johnson asked the council to proceed with appointing Mitchell Bump to the tourism business improvement district. A council member moved to appoint Bump; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

What’s next Confirmed officers will continue as patrol officers with the Kalispell Police Department. The tourism business improvement district will include Mitchell Bump as the mayor's appointee; staff did not specify a term length during the meeting.