Big Sky Times

Attorney General Austin Knudsen has appointed Kurt Sager as the new colonel and head of the Montana Highway Patrol. Sager, who previously served as lieutenant colonel with 21 years of experience within the agency, has been praised by Knudsen for his leadership qualities. Knudsen expressed confidence in Sager's abilities to tackle the public safety challenges facing Montana and looks forward to collaborating with him to serve and protect the people of the state.

In response to his appointment, Colonel Sager expressed gratitude towards Attorney General Knudsen for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Highway Patrol. He acknowledged the dedication and bravery of the troopers he will be working alongside, stating, "Our troopers are some of the best and bravest in the nation and it’s an honor to serve alongside them in our mission to keep Montanans safe."

Colonel Sager has a longstanding history with the Montana Highway Patrol, having joined as a trooper in Northeastern Montana back in 2003. Throughout his career, he has held various positions within the agency, including serving as a sergeant in Helena, captain in Great Falls, and a major at Patrol headquarters before being appointed as lieutenant colonel in 2023. He also played a key role in the successful relocation of the MHP headquarters from Helena to Boulder in 2021.

Sager's appointment comes after he served as the interim head of the Patrol following the retirement of former Colonel Steve Lavin earlier in the month. With his wealth of experience and dedication to public safety, Colonel Kurt Sager is poised to lead the Montana Highway Patrol in its mission to ensure the safety and well-being of all Montanans.