Montana Law Enforcement Museum

05/13/2026

05/11/2026

McGruff says "Join us on Law Enforcement Memorial Day, Friday, May 15th, for our 2026 summer season opening!" It's our 12th season in Philipsburg and McGruff is ready for a photo op with you or your kiddos. Summer hours are: Wednesday - Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and on Sunday noon to 5 pm. You'll find us next door to the Philipsburg Post Office at the end of Broadway.

04/22/2026

Mark your calendars for June 26th, our Montana Law Enforcement Museum Golf Tournament fundraiser in Butte! Thank you to Montana Police Protective Association Foundation - MPPAF for your support and sponsorship.

04/09/2026

In memory of Highway Patrolman Michael Ren and his ultimate sacrifice.

Today, we recognize and honor the life of Patrolman Michael Marion Ren Badge #240, who lost his life on April 8, 1978. He was 30 years old.
Patrolman Ren was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana. As an adult, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 4 years in Turkey before returning to Montana to join the law enforcement community. He graduated from the 18th Montana Highway Patrol Academy class and was sworn in on October 9th, 1970.
On April 8, 1978, Patrolman Michael Ren was called to assist a deputy from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to serve two felony warrants on a recently released mental patient. The suspect was wanted for violating the terms of his release from a state mental health facility. Patrolman Ren spotted the suspect driving a pickup truck, and a high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, the suspect retrieved a .308 rifle from inside the cab of his pickup and opened fire on both officers. Five rounds struck Patrolman Ren's patrol car before the suspect crashed in the town of Eureka. As Patrolman Ren pulled up, the suspect jumped from his truck and fatally shot Ren in the abdomen. The gunshot traveled between the back panels of his Kevlar vest.
Michael is survived by his son, Jerril, Jerril’s wife, Michelle, and their two children: Lexis and Kyler. Patrolman Ren’s legacy continued with the service of his son, Sergeant Jerril Ren, who joined MHP in 2000 and retired in 2024.
Please join us today in remembering Patrolman Michael Ren on the anniversary of his end of watch. May his memory forever be a blessing.

03/28/2026

We haven't forgotten.

Today we honor the life of Trooper Michael Haynes, Badge #159, who lost his life seventeen years ago today. He was just 28 years old.

Mike joined the Montana Highway Patrol and was sworn in on August 10th, 2006. On March 27, 2009, Mike passed away from injuries he sustained five days earlier after he was struck by a drunk driver who was driving in the wrong direction on US-93. He hit Mike head-on just north of Somers.

Mike left behind his wife Tawny and two children Taryn and Elias; and his parents, John and Melody Haynes. Please keep them in your thoughts today.

The 2011 Montana Legislature passed HB270 designating the existing U.S. Highway 93 from the intersection with Montana highway 82 to the southern boundary of the city of Kalispell, as the Montana Highway Patrol Officer Michael W. Haynes memorial highway.

May his memory forever be a blessing.

03/20/2026

Larry Chrysler in the mid 1970’s working snowmobile patrol for the Town of Webb NY Police Department.
Credit Kram Mondray

02/20/2026

Thanks to the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. Check out this interesting display.

01/09/2026

January 9th is designated as National Law Enforcement Day to recognize the heroes that keep the peace and work long hours to protect their communities. You are honored today, appreciated every day.

12/24/2025

12/13/2025

Circa 1970s. In my dad’s collection.
Credit Robin Rubenstrunk