Chookomoolin takes over as detention center adminstrator

Hill County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Chookomoolin started in a new position as Hill County Detention Center facility administrator, taking up the role shortly after former administrator Victoria Olson resigned from the position.

"I believe there are always more things to learn," Chookomoolin said. "I know I'm not going to learn it all, but I'm excited to learn more, better myself, better the Hill County Sheriff's Office and the Hill County Detention staff."

Last month, Olson resigned from the position of detention center facility administrator and Chookomoolin was hired for the job, he said. He added that Hill County Sheriff Jamie Ross made the position a sworn-in position so he is still also a deputy and coroner with the sheriff's office.

Olson worked as a civilian employee rather than as a sworn deputy. 

Chookomoolin said he grew up in Chinook for most of his life, graduating from Chinook High School in 2014. Shortly after he graduated he enlisted in the Montana National Guard, in which he is still serving. He started working with the Hill County Sheriff's office in 2015, serving as a detention officer for a little more than two years before he was ready to take on more responsibility, he said. He added that in 2017 he was hired as a sheriff's deputy.

He said he has always had an interest in criminal justice and always wanted to be able to serve and protect.

"I like to help people and figure out other people's problems before my own," he said.

He added that is excited he will be able to help people.

"As far as I know, I'm the first generation of law enforcement (in his family) and I would like to keep this going," Chookomoolin said.

His duties as a detention facility administrator are to supervise the 11 full-time detention officers and four part-time detention officers, as well as establish enforcement policies necessary for the facility, oversee general operations, represent the facility and address the needs of the sheriff's office along with the allied divisions and agencies, he said.

He added that he will also be making decisions on major policy considerations and overseeing the planning and implementation of future development considerations for the facility's operations.

He said he would like to keep the facility running smoothly and establish and enforce policies and procedures necessary for facility operations as well as see where things can improve.

"It's all about safety and security here and that is really important to me," he said.

Chookomoolin said, from his experience as a detention center staff member and as a sheriff's deputy, he knows what to expect and how things should operate, adding that he plans to serve to his fullest potential.

He said he expected it to take some time to get his feet planted in the new position, but he is working with many of the same detention center officers and staff members from when he worked there. He said he previously clicked into the position and believes the detention center is already moving in a positive direction.

A challenge will be his age, he added. He said he just turned 23, but he is eager to learn and has the tools to be successful in his role. He added that it is a big challenge, but he is sure he will get his feet planted firmly.

"I will enjoy it for as long as I'm here," Chookomoolin said.