Bozeman MT- Due to public outcry over a decision to send deputies to support North Dakota law enforcement and the battle over the Dakota Access pipeline, Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin has reversed his decision.
In an on-line post Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin announced his decision to not send deputies to North Dakota.
“Yesterday I had made a decision to send Deputies to the protest in North Dakota to help with that volatile situation. I have been in protest situations in my career and fully understand that in many cases law enforcement is placed in the middle of two emotional opposing interests and we have to attempt to balance our role as peace officer and law enforcement. Many of you emailed and called the Office to voice your concerns. As your Sheriff I was very humbled by the honest conversations we had. Although my actions were well intentioned you made it clear that you do not want your Sheriff’s Office involved in this conflict. One of the biggest differences of an elected Sheriff from other law enforcement leaders is that I am directly accountable to the people I serve (YOU) and although I am personally torn knowing that people (Including Montanans) are hurting over there, we will not be responding. Finally I am incredibly grateful that we live in a place where we can have differences and talk about them respectfully as adults without conflict. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Brian M. Gootkin”
Since August, numerous police departments have sent officers to assist in the suppression of water protectors seeking to stop the Dakota Access pipeline.
Posted by Wakíƞyaƞ Waánataƞ (Matt Remle- Lakota)
Matt Remle (Lakota) is an editor and writer for Last Real Indians and LRInspire. @wakiyan7
LRInspire 
At.least one real lawman in this whole group of guys abusing their badges!
Thank you Sheriff Gootan.
The fight for clean water should not ever have started. But because the oil and gas industries are so greedy, and only care about profits and not the future of the current and future generations needing water to drink and grow food, animals, and all the Earth will freely give. The world is now crying all over for clean water to drink and sustain crops. People who put water at risk must learn that this is not acceptable and cannot lead to anything but sickness and death in the future, as well as it is also doing now. Whatever God or Gods put here for us, is to be sustained. WE CANNOT DRINK TAR SANDS OIL OR ANY PRODUCT OF OIL. I believe you are all fighting for your and our lives. Thank you for fighting the good fight. I pray no violence will injure anyone on either side.
Thank you from NY for your humble and intelligent decision not to send law enforcers to ND. The people of Montana are lucky to have someone like you who listens to their constituents, acting truly on their behalf and having a heart.
The country thanks you for your decision to refuse to send law enforcers to ND. We feel this choice was made with much thought and intelligently decided with heart, listening to your constituents. We are grateful for your service and most of all your truly empathetic and kind leadership.
Salute!
The Dakota pipeline company already has transportation using the newly upgraded rail system to transport their oil this is about taking over more native lands away from my people and they thought they could just do it. Please find a good reason to defend your country.
Should have sent them to support and protect the protectors . That would have been the best message .
You heart is in a good way
We need more responsible people like this in all of our government offices.
A hat off, a salute and a deep bow to this Sheriff. …
You Are A Hero! !!!!
May “Spirit ” bless and watch over you and your family and may your community protect you against anyone who threatens you and yours in any way.
You are our Guardian Angel *
Thank you from Switzerland who is watching.
Save the water not the pipeline respect they land .And the right to speak up don’t worry the world are watching love you all keep fighting .
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Thank you! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving, knowing that you did the right thing. I hope you are surrounded by people who are proud of your stand.
Thank you for being on the right side finially! You did the right thing.
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Many of you are giving him too much credit. He decided to send enforcements. He thought that was a good idea. Don’t forget that. Only after the realization that his next election could be in jeopardy did he change his mind and protect his own ass from his constituents. Bad judgement first and self-preservation second.
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Thank you, sheriff Gootkin, for listening to the people & doing what is right. Sadly, the govenor of Nebraska has yet to recall his “troops” from North Dakota after petitions were sent to him to do the right thing. I’m so very sad that this is taking so long. So many innocent AMERICANS from a state in the union, have had to endure such violent acts of cruelty against them. THIS IS AMERICA NOT NAZI GERMANY. We must not let the greed of oil companies, govenors & president elects to come before treaties, rightful property ownership, the protection of AMERICAN human beings or WHAT IS TRULY THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Why aren’t our congress or our president doing anything to stop this? Thank you.