The Conrad Police Department has a permanent chief for the first time since January. Andy Lund, who has been running the department in an interim capacity since the start of the year, was officially appointed to the role after a selection process that came down to two finalists.

Lund stepped into the interim post following the resignation of Corey Smith, who had led the Conrad department for three years. The transition left a small-town department — Conrad sits about 90 miles north of Great Falls in Pondera County — managing a leadership gap through the winter months while a permanent hire was sorted out.

The appointment ends a period of uncertainty for the department. Lund, already familiar with the agency's operations and personnel from his months as interim chief, indicated the role feels like a natural continuation of work already underway.

Conrad is a community of roughly 2,400 people, and its police department handles the range of calls that come with a small agricultural hub — traffic enforcement on Highway 2, domestic calls, and the occasional more serious incident. Having a confirmed chief in place provides stability for both the department and the community heading into summer.