Clay Herbst for Park County Justice of the Peace
Clay Herbst has been a Park County resident since September of 2004 when he began his career with the Park County Sheriff's Office. He recently retired from the role of Undersheriff and is currently serving as the Park County Justice of the Peace.
During his time in law enforcement, Clay gained extensive knowledge about the Justice System in Montana while protecting and serving our community. Now, as the Justice of the Peace, he continues to expand that knowledge.
As your current Justice of the Peace, Clay is dedicated to fair, common sense, consistent justice under the law.
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"Four things belong to a judge: to listen courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially."
Socrates
About
Clay grew up in Belgrade and worked in the Gallatin Valley on farms and ranches when he was young. He spent several years in the the Polson and Three Forks areas where he worked on ranches and trained horses, among other business ventures. He and his family later moved to Park County when Clay began his career in law enforcement.
Clay and his wife of 27 years, Trishia, raised their family in Park County and currently reside in Clyde Park. They have two adult children; the oldest has continued in the tradition of service and is currently serving in the Marine Corps. He is married and has added a grandson to the family. Their youngest is currently living and working locally.
Clay and his family love Park County and enjoy the outdoors in their spare time.
Having spent 19+ years with the Sheriff's Office, Clay has done nearly every job in the department from Patrol to Administration. He acquired many valuable skills during his time with the Sheriff's Office as well as the work he did in prior careers. Clay believes in the importance of relationship building in the community. Through his time working in the farming and ranching communities, running various businesses, as well as working on emergency situations and investigations as a Deputy, he's learned how to work effectively with all facets in our community. As a seasoned administrator, he has extensive experience dealing with budgets and personnel and the challenges that can bring.
In 2011, Clay was awarded the Medal of Valor stemming from an attempted homicide and subsequent officer involved shooting. He understands the difference between individuals who just made a mistake versus individuals who continually break laws and prey upon the community.
Clay sees great value in hard work and dedication. He believes in fair, balanced, and consistent application of the law. If elected as Park County Justice of the Peace, you can count on those values and ethics continuing.
