Undersheriff Honored in Missoula

Undersheriff Vernon Buerkle was honored for 37 years of service in the Glasgow area with a Distinguished Career award by the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association June 11 in Missoula. Buerkle moved to Glasgow from Southeastern Montana 37 years ago to take a job with the Police Department. After 21 years with the GPD, Buerkle moved to the Sheriff's Department, where he has served for 16 years. He has been Undersheriff since October of 2000.

Sheriff Meier nominated Buerkle for the award and was on hand for its presentation. Also on hand were Buerkle's children, Matt Buerkle and Sharona Gilbert, and members of their families.

Challenging cases from Buerkle's career include a triple homicide involving members of the Boweles family in 1977 during his time with the GPD, and a theft case involving $54,000 that was taken from a safe in St. Marie owned by the Holton family. 

Also noteworthy was the case of a freelance writer working on a book about kindness in America who hitchhiked from Sidney, Mt., in 2013 and reported being the victim of a drive-by shooting. After investigating, Buerkle and other officers concluded that the man's wounds were self-inflicted and charges were filed. 

Asked whether he is contemplating retirement after such a long stint serving the community, Buerkle answers, "Not anytime in the near future."