Mike Brady Chosen to Succeed Mark Muir as Missoula Police Chief

Current Missoula Assistant Police Chief Mike Brady was named on Friday, November 15 by Mayor Jon Engen as the new police chief, to succeed Mark Muir, who will retire on December 20.

Brady said on Friday, that he was very happy about the mayor's announcement.

"I'm excited," Brady said. "It's certainly a challenge and something I've been working toward. Chief Muir has been very instrumental in helping me develop to take over."

Brady began his career with the Missoula Police Department in 1988.

"I grew up in Great Falls," Brady said. "I went to the University of Montana where I was involved in the social work program, and I was initially interested in the parole and probation type atmosphere. After doing some ride-alongs with the officers, I realized that it had a draw for me."

Brady said he will have a somewhat different style than chief Muir.

"I've thought a little bit about it and in some regards there will be a different style," Brady said. "In other regards there's a consensus on how Mark and I view things. We'll continue to provide and high level of service, as well as compliance and follow-through with the agreement with the Department of Justice."

Brady said he has a good relationship with the officers and personnel in the department.

"Our staff right now includes 102 sworn officers as well as 23 civilian staff and a pool of volunteers that are all essential to our operations," Brady said. "It's a key to good leadership to have a solid connection with everyone who works here."

Brady said he is especially excited to move forward with the Community Service Officer program.

"Community Service Officers will have much more of a presence on our parks and trails systems, and to work with our volunteers and our accident investigators," Brady said. "I wanted to have five, but the budget only allows for two Community Service officers starting on January 1."

Brady's appointment must now be approved by the Missoula City Council.