Name to a Face: Dan Hagerty

Dan Hagerty is a Montanan through and through. Born in Colbon, where his family has been for generations, he grew up in Jefferson County, attending school at Clancy Elementary and Jefferson High School in Boulder. In his Junior year, he began working full-time in the janitorial department at the Boulder River School and at the hospital in Boulder. This was the jump start to his career in dealing with people and mental health; he worked there for almost nine years.

With his father working in law enforcement, Dan grew up respecting the law and those who enforced it. Deputies and highway patrol had always stopped by his home for a cup of coffee and Dan had found his calling, though his family tried to talk him out of it. On September 15, 1984, at the age of 23, he began working as a Reserve Deputy for Jefferson County.

In 1986 he married his wife Lola, and a year later, they had a daughter.

On September 15, 1987, Dan enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at the Travis Air Force Base in California working in law enforcement. His son was born in 1990 at the base; his daughter's birthday marked the beginning of Desert Storm.

With top ranks heavily sought after, and a desk sergeant position possibly in his future, Dan decided to go back to his original calling. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force and found his way back to Montana.

Once back to the land of big sky, he restarted his law enforcement career with a part-time position in East Helena. In 1996 he took a four year position in Meagher County; during this time he also worked armed security as well as airport security. However, Dan's real wish was to find his way back to Jefferson County where his family were located.

On February 14, 2000, he was hired in Jefferson County as a Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Coroner, part of the DUI task force, and the Liaison for Jefferson Valley Search and Rescue. Dan taught himself how to use a GPS at the very beginning to better assist the search and rescue group. He was back to his roots.

He has been working in our community ever since and is thankful to have touched many people's lives in positive ways. He has always maintained that he had to set an example because of his position and has worked so hard for it. He is thankful to have served in law enforcement for thirty-seven years; 2021 marks his retirement year.

He is also blessed to have been married for thirty-five years. Lola is currently employed as a Whitehall School District bus driver.

Dan Hagerty loves Whitehall and has truly enjoyed being able to be so heavily involved in community activities. He enjoys that he know almost everyone within our little community either personally or professionally.

Retirement looks to involve rest and relaxation for Dan. He loves the outdoor-oriented environment Whitehall presents. He is looking forward to spending more time with his friend and family while enjoying Whitehall from a new point of view. He enjoys how all of the shops, restaurants, and theatre have helped the community come together. If you see him, please say thank you for his extraordinary service and wish him well in his retirement.