A federal grant could help Park County set up a new emergency operations center in Cooke City, bringing some sorely needed law enforcement to the remote Montana community northeast of Yellowstone National Park.

“This is an important, long-term investment that will mean a safer Park County for the folks who live there, and for the folks who visit,” said U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana). “The resources we invest in Montana’s law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders will go a long way in keeping folks who live in and visit Big Sky Country safe.”

“This is welcome news to make Park County a safer place to live for Montanans, and a safer place to visit for tourists,” said U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana). “This is about making sure emergency responders can communicate better and work together. I’m proud of this funding and I look forward to going to bat for it as it makes its way through Congress.”

The Cooke City/Silver Gate area lacks any consistent law-enforcement presence; if there is a situation requiring attention from law enforcement, officers must drive down from Gardiner. It's not as though Cooke City is a lawless outpost on the Wild West -- but there are some times when the presence of law enforcement in Cooke City would be greatly appreciated by the locals.

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