BILLINGS — After 41 years with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, including nearly 35 as a sworn deputy sheriff, Capt. Bill Michaelis is retiring from law enforcement.
On Tuesday, an intimate get together was held in the sheriff’s office’s lower level in Billings, with a room filled of his long-time fellow deputies, family and friends.
Sheriff Mike Linder said a few words, shared some memories and presented Michaelis with a commemorative plaque.
Throughout the years of service, Michaelis says one word comes to mind: loyalty.
"The deputies I have worked with have been just been very loyal to the leadership we have had. I have worked with some really good sheriffs in the past and now. I started here as a deputy with Mike Chafer, he was a good...great sheriff. And Chuck Maxwell promoted me to the rank I am now. Some of the friendships I have made with some of the deputie-s they always got my back when we go to a call."
What’s next? Michaelis says he will spend some time with family traveling and probably do some sleeping in.
