Wickham sworn in as Hill County sheriff's deputy

Robert Wickham is the newest Hill County Sheriff's Office deputy, having been sworn in at the Hill County Courthouse Monday morning.

Wickham has worked for the sheriff's office for two years as a detention officer and said he's eager to start his new position as a deputy.

"I always just had a lot of respect for people in law enforcement," he said " ... I'm excited that I finally get to do something like that now."

Wickham has lived in the Havre area for five years and went to Montana State University-Northern, studying diesel technology with the intention to carry on his family's business by becoming a mechanic.

But Wickham said he's been interested in law enforcement for a long time and when he saw a position open up at the Hill County Detention Center he applied immediately.

"I've always been interested in law enforcement ever since I was little," Wickham said, "But the family business was to be a mechanic so that's kinda what I did. But I've always been interested in it, and I saw a position open at the detention center."

He said law enforcement's capacity to help people was the big draw for him and he's excited for the opportunity, "just being able to serve and help the people of the community."

He said he's the first in his family to go into law enforcement and that they're happy for him.

"They're all pretty excited. My family has been very supportive the whole way through," Wickham said.

He said he's enjoyed his time working for the sheriff's office as a detention officer, but he was ready for a change of pace.

"I liked working at the jail, I was just looking for something new," he said.

Wickham, who is 23 years old, was born in Gardiner and has lived in Montana his entire life. He said he's come to really love the Havre since he's lived here.

"I love to be outside," he said, "Hunting, fishing, all that kind of stuff, I love the area of Havre."

He said he is looking forward to getting out on patrol as part of his new job and want members of the community to be comfortable talking to him.

"I'm easy-going, I'm easy to get along with," Wickham said, "Don't be afraid to say hi."