Lueck named Montana Law Enforcement Officer of Year – Bitterroot Star

American Legion Post 47 Commander Deb Strickland is proud to announce that Hamilton Police Officer Chris Lueck was selected as the American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the State of Montana.  

Officer Lueck was nominated by his supervisor Lieutenant Don Niemeir and Police Chief Steve Snavely for the American Legion Ravalli Post 47 (Hamilton) 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. He was selected by the Post and advanced to the American Legion of Montana State level. 

Lueck has been with the Hamilton Police Department for four-and-a-half years and serves as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for four different schools in Ravalli County. Hamilton High School Principal Marlin Lewis recognizes “the importance of an SRO’s visibility on campus and during special events as it increases overall safety and awareness” and highly praised Officer Lueck for exceeding their expectations. Lueck works proactively in the schools every day assisting school administration and teachers as well as interacting with the students. He “observes their [safety] drills and provides thoughtful and detailed feedback” for improvement.

Lueck is married to Kacey Lueck and is also an active member of the Montana Army National Guard, 1049th Fire Fighting Tactical Group at Fort Harrison in Helena where he serves with distinction as Fire Chief, with the rank of Sergeant First Class. According to Lieutenant Niemeir, Officer Lueck successfully balances his police profession, his duties as an SRO, military service, and family life in “exemplary fashion” due to his strong work ethic and high moral character. He bridges the gap between being approachable to the students while earning their respect, especially as he diligently conducts criminal activity investigations that are thorough, fair, impartial, and complete. In addition to his police duties, Lueck is also known for participating in everything from classroom instruction to reading books to children at a local daycare.

“Thank you, Officer Chris Lueck, for your caring and stellar service to our city and schools,” said Deb Strickland, Commander of Hamilton American Legion Post 47. “Congratulations on your well-deserved Officer of the Year Award.”