There's a New Guy in Town, and He is Wearing a Badge

He's new to the position, but he's a familiar face. Wednesday, Dec. 28th, Roger Has The Eagle was sworn in and assumed the role and duties of Undersheriff of Phillips County. Roger (who also goes by Gerold) started with the Phillips County Sheriff's office in April of 2022, and was in office until he returned to Ft. Belknap.

Roger is no stranger to the area, he was born in neighboring Blaine County. He attended schools and graduated from Harlem in 2009. Beyond high school, he attended college at MSU-Northern in Havre. Roger also studied Conservation of Natural Resources at Aaniiih Nakoda College in Ft. Belknap. His hometown now is Dodson. Roger is a member of the Nakoda people of Ft. Belknap.

Roger and his wife, Kelli, have three children, who attend Malta Elementary School. Kelli is employed in Ft. Belknap.

"I chose this profession to help get me on the path to a career as a Game Warden, however, I ended up loving the job and the chance to help the communities," he said when asked what led him to choose a career in law enforcement.

The career and love for making a difference run deep in the family. In addition to his work, he had a brother that worked in the law enforcement, and his sister still does.

When your siblings walk in the same path, you must be making strong, positive footprints that they want to follow.

He has spent most of his time working in Ft. Belknap, and he has also worked at Rocky Boy.

One of his most rewarding encounters in his work was when he and a partner had been called out to a home.

"Once, I'll never forget it, we helped a family out of a situation; one of the kids around seven or eight, stopped and ran back to me and gave me the best hug that I could've received that day. He said, "...thanks," and "hoped we were safe."

"Rare as those days are, those are the days that keep us going," Roger said.

Has The Eagle attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, and was part of Class 141, graduating in 2010. Some of the classes and extended training he has pursued include drug interdiction and DUI classes. He will be attending the First Line Supervisor Training.

His assessment of the department and needs include more funding for the operation of the office. "There are several important pieces of equipment that we would like to update to serve Phillips County as a whole," he said.

Asked what he would like to share with the readers, he responded, "Don't drink and drive and always buckle up. When you see us on the side of the road, please slow down and allow us enough space to do our job."

He was asked what he envisioned for his future, he said, "I just hope to work and help our communities as long as I can." When asked three words to describe his job, he responded, "BEST JOB EVER!"

Perhaps he is living the Ancient Indian Proverb, "Certain things catch your eye, but only pursue those that capture the heart."

We welcome the first Native American Undersheriff of Phillips County; welcome back, we are grateful for your planning to stay and grow with us. We know you'll have our back, and you have our support. 11-2...congratulations!