Law enforcement from across Montana joined the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in escorting Deputy Jake Allmendinger, who died in the line of duty on Saturday, to the state medical examiner’s office in Billings.
Allmendinger died Saturday night responding to a stranded motorist report on Fairy Lake Road in the Bridger Mountain range. On Monday, officers from multiple agencies formed a procession to take him to Billings.
“We haven’t left Jake’s side and we won’t. This escort is about showing our respect for one of our own who died in the line of duty,” Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin said.
Led by the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, other agencies included police departments from Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston and Billings; sheriff’s offices from Broadwater, Carbon, Lewis and Clark, Park, Sweet Grass and Yellowstone counties; and the U.S. Forest Service, Bozeman Fire Department and American Medical Response.
The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association has set up a fund to help the Allmendinger family. Monetary donations can be made online at the association's website .
To donate by check, make checks out to MSPOA, write “Allmendinger Family” in the memo line, and send to:
MSPOA
PO Box 794
Helena, MT 59624
Donations by credit card can be made by calling MSPOA at 406-443-5669.
Gallatin County has set up a public web page that will provide up-to-date information, including funeral service details, ways to donate, and more: https://www.readygallatin.com/jake/
