Libby's Jon Obst honored by Gov. Gianforte

Jun. 16—A quarter century of dedicated service on the job and as a volunteer has earned Jon Obst recognition from the Governor's Office.

Sgt. Obst has worked as a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Warden since the fall of 1998.

Last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte was in Libby and he presented the Outstanding Service Award to Obst for his work with the state and as a volunteer with David Thompson Search and Rescue.

In a letter to Obst, dated June 8, Gianforte wrote, "You've been an indispensable member of the FWP team, enforcing the law, protecting Montana's diverse and highly treasured natural resources, leading the FWP Chronic Wasting Disease Incident Command Team and developing the new Montana trapper education program."

Obst currently supervises six wardens, is the firearm instructor for warden training and educates youth at area schools and at community events. He has been nominated twice — in 2002 and 2006 — for the state Game Warden Excellence Award.

Part of Obst's recognition was the rescue effort he performed in November 2020 when he rescued a woman whose vehicle had plunged into the icy waters of Lake Koocanusa.

Obst was on patrol when he heard a radio call about a vehicle submerged in the lake at Rexford Bench. Obst learned from the caller that the vehicle was initially parked in a few feet of water on the boat ramp before becoming completely submerged 40 yards from shore. Obst, who has swift water rescue training, removed his duty belt and bullet proof vest, grabbed a screwdriver and jumped into the frigid waters. Obst had to swim the final distance to reach the vehicle. Using the screwdriver to break out the rear window, a flood of debris poured out, including a spare tire. It was dark inside the vehicle and Obst couldn't see the person. Considering the danger involved, Obst returned to his truck, got a long rope and returned to the vehicle.

He broke the side window, tied the rope around the post and a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy pull the vehicle into shallower water. Obst was then able to get the woman out and to shore where officers began CPR and rescue breathing.

Later, the woman regained consciousness when she was in an ambulance. She was flown to Logan Health in Kalispell, but later died.

"You've been described as a pillar in his community who empowers others and is quick to pass on the credit for everything you do to others," Gianforte wrote. "On behalf of a grateful state, thank you for dedicating your career to serving others and making Montana a better place to call home."

Obst is an Arizona native who went to work with the U.S. Forest Service in Flagstaff. He fought wild fires, among other things.

"I always wanted to be a game warden," Obst said. "I enjoy being outdoors, hunting, fishing, you name it."

A visit to Montana created a desire to live here, Libby specifically.

There was a job opening with FWP in Glasgow. Obst got it, spent three years there before an opening occurred in Libby.

"I got here in 2001, then got involved with David Thompson SAR the following year," Obst said. "It was a way to do something for the community and become more involved with the people here. It was a natural fit."

Obst has also been involved in swift water training across the state, working with agencies and volunteer groups in Flathead, Jefferson, Madison and Beaverhead counties.