Gallatin Media Center

Sheriff Dan Springer and Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue has released the 2021 Annual Report.  The 2021 Annual Report contains statistics for missions and training.  Multiple missions are highlighted with applicable safety tips.  Many photographs and videos are included to provide a glimpse of our volunteers in action.

Sheriff Springer would like to thank all Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers for their dedication and professionalism as well as our community for your support.

2021 Annual Report 

On Sunday January 17, 2022, at approximately 4:13 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue-Big Sky Section, along with Big Sky Fire Department, responded to an assistance request from a hiker that had an injury on Ousel Falls Trail. The patient, who was out on a day hike with family, fell down injuring an ankle and was unable to walk to the trailhead. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue members used a one-wheel litter to transport the patient safely to the trailhead where Big Sky Fire Department was staged for further medical assessment.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind everyone recreating outdoors that accidents can happen on familiar trails when you least expect it.  Recreating with a partner and having a means of communication can make the difference should you need to call for help.

For immediate release: January 16, 2022

On Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, Zachary Eugene Norman, 24 of Three Forks, was arrested on two counts of felony deliberate homicide in connection with the shooting investigation in Three Forks. He is being held in the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Gallatin County Sheriff/Coroner Dan Springer identifies the victims as brothers Brendan Estabrook, 32 of Three Forks, and Chase Estabrook, 31 of Butte.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into this incident.

Charging documents can be obtained from Gallatin County Justice Court. Please note that Justice Court is closed on Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For immediate release: January 16, 2022

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer will be providing an update on the Three Forks homicide investigation at a press briefing on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 1:30 PM. The briefing will take place at the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Operational Training Center at 677 Laura Louise Lane in Four Corners.

A written press release will be distributed following the briefing.

Media contact:

Whitney Bermes

Cell: 406-595-8963

On Friday January 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, responded to a request for assistance from a snowmobiler on the Lionhead Trail System, approximately 8 miles west of town. An individual riding a snowmobile crashed into a tree while rounding a corner, sustaining a possible broken wrist.

Search and Rescue volunteers, Custer Gallatin National Forest Service, Montana Fish & Game, and a paramedic from Hebgen Basin Fire responded with a specialized rescue sled and were able to treat the patient on scene before transporting off the trail and to a nearby ambulance. The patient was transferred over to the Hebgen Basin Fire Department EMS crew for further medical evaluation and a transport to the hospital.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind everyone out enjoying the trails and backcountry that trail conditions can change rapidly.  Please slow down around corners for your protection and those riders approaching from the opposite direction.  Also recreate with a friend and carry a reliable means of communication.  Rescuers were able to quickly respond to this incident because a friend called immediately and provided accurate GPS coordinates.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: 1/15/2022

There will be a media briefing to provide information on the Three Forks homicide investigation on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 9 AM at the Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department (13 E. Date St.) Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer will be giving information and answering questions.

Please note: We have all identified involved persons located. Please do not use the term suspect as this investigation is ongoing.

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes
406-595-8963

For immediate release: 1/15/2022

Staging area for media will be at the Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department, located at 13 E. Date St.

Public Information Officer for the incident is Whitney Bermes. Contact here at 406-595-8963.

For immediate release: January 13, 2022

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is saddened to announce that one more Gallatin County resident has passed away from complications due to COVID-19.

See the full press release here.

It is highly recommended that you make a plan to get fully vaccinated and boosted to help protect yourself and others. You can find your COVID-19 vaccine from local pharmacies and clinics throughout the county.

 

 

The GCCHD website provides up-to-date times, dates, and locations where you can get your COVID-19 vaccine anywhere in Gallatin County.

• • Combined clinics with Gallatin City-County Health Department and Bozeman Health – Click here to find dates and appointments available on our website. 
    • Sat., Jan. 15 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pfizer (12+) – Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 4
    • Sun., Jan. 16 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pfizer (12+) – Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 4
    • Sat., Jan. 22 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pfizer (12+) – Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 4
    • Sun., Jan. 23 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Pfizer (12+) – Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 4

• • Big Sky Medical Center weekly clinic hours:
    • Wednesdays – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Adult Pfizer (12+ for primary series, 18+ for boosters)
    • Fridays – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Moderna (18+) primary series and boosters
    • Fridays – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Pediatric Pfizer, 5-11 year-olds primary series

• • FLU VACCINE clinics are being held at Gallatin City-County Health Department – These are walk-in clinics, no appointment necessary:
    • Jan 24 & 31 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Anyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine
    • By appointment, call the health department to make yours today, 406-582-3100

• • IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK – GET TESTED! Click here to find a location nearest you to get tested!

In addition to vaccination, wearing a well-fitting mask and maintaining physical distance from others continues to be recommended COVID-19 mitigation strategies. These strategies, coupled with staying home when you are feeling sick, will help lessen the spread and the burden of the highly infectious Omicron variant. 

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about COVID-19. Any calls received after business hours will be returned the following business day. You can reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website.