We recently began a new series to highlight the law enforcement and first responders of our region. We call it “Beyond the Badge.” Not only do these men and women put their lives on the line to protect and preserve our public safety, often they achieve remarkable things away from their chosen field or perform acts of courage not typically included in their job description - literally beyond the badge.
Denver Cobb, after a 25-year career as a law enforcement officer, is now the coordinator of the Cascade County Veterans Treatment Court. In both roles, he’s been able to follow his passion of helping people.
As coordinator, he oversees the voluntary program for veterans in the criminal justice system.
He’s not too far removed from a career in law enforcement, spending 11 years with the Park County Sheriff’s Office and 15 with the Great Falls Police Department where he worked patrol and was a field training officer.
Cobb noted, “With the guys and gals you work with, the camaraderie you have, you know, you won't find that in any other job, I don't think.”
It was a job that had its share of danger and challenges, but also offered seemingly simple rewards: “You know, being able to go and take some company, the store and some grocery for their family, that kind of stuff kind of makes you feel good.”
As he inched closer to the age of 50, he felt it was time for a change: “I got to the point where I realized that police work is a young man's game, young ladies' game.”
He’d spent half his life in law enforcement, and wanted the chance to spend more time with his family. But he still felt a calling for service.
Cobb explained, “I get to help people who sign their name on the dotted line to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Thankfully they're the ones that are with us and made it back. Well, you know, when they do that, some of them, not all of them, but some of them have trauma and they resort to substances or have mental health problems. I get to help them get back on track and become whole again, hopefully.”
The Butte native was skeptical upon first joining the VTC team, but much like a strong police force, his newfound colleagues quickly put any doubts to rest.
He noted, “When I came into this, I didn't know what to expect. And then when you see it firsthand, it's like, you know, it works.”
And with what Cobb claims is a 94 percent success rate, the court, like the police force, is doing a good job helping those it’s promised to serve.
Beyond The Badge: Tierney Wienholz
Beyond The Badge: Paul Kummer
Questions or comments about this article? Click here to contact Tim.
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