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Last Updated July 22, 2008

Montana’s Sunrise City

Sidney is a community of approximately 5,000, located in the heart of the Yellowstone Valley.  The economy is based largely on agriculture. The city itself covers an area of approximately 2-1/2 to 3 square miles.  The Department provides 24-hour protection with a variety of police services, including patroling the city by use of three fully equipped patrol units. Some foot patrol is employed during special events.

When Sidney was incorporated as a town on  April 21, 1911, its population was approximately 386. On June 12, 1911, Jack Carberry was appointed as City Marshall.  He died of typhoid fever later that same year and was replaced by Roy Heiner. On April 12, 1915, Sidney was incorporated as a City, and Fred Hurst became the first Chief of Police, serving until 1941. By 1940, Sidney’s population had grown to 2,978.  Louie Whited was appointed Chief of Police, serving until 1949.  Altogether, he was on the police force 25 years.  Whited was followed by Bud Atchison.  The 1950 census showed a steady increase in population at 3,987 residents.  Street signal lights were added that year.  Henry Dooley became Chief for a short time that year, followed by Chris Hansen, who served until 1953. During 1955, Ollie Barnes and Earl Mauge served short terms as Chief. Late in 1955, Jim Moore was again appointed Chief. John P. Schmitt became Acting Chief in 1968 and was confirmed as Chief in 1969.  In January, 1981, the current Chief, Frank DiFonzo was appointed.