Cascade County Montana Reserve Deputy Program Gets Funding Boost. First Ever Pay Rates Set by County Commission
- Aaron Wilson
- 1 minute ago
- 1 min read
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The Cascade County Commission unanimously approved a pay structure for the new reserve deputy program proposed by Sheriff Jesse Slaughter, marking a major shift in how reserve law-enforcement personnel will be supported in 2026. Under a 2025 Montana law that allows county governments to compensate reserve deputies, the board set an hourly rate between $20 and $27, depending on experience, effective January 1, 2026. Previously unpaid volunteer positions, reserve deputies will now receive pay for their service, a change intended to attract experienced volunteers and strengthen programs such as the proposed reserve deputy school resource officer partnership with Great Falls Public Schools. The move underscores growing recognition of the essential role reserve deputies play in public safety and community engagement.
