HELENA — Attorney General Tim Fox has named Lt. Col. Tom Butler as the new Montana Highway Patrol chief.
Butler is one of two deputy chiefs of the patrol.
Butler will replace Col. Kenton Hickethier, who is on leave until his retirement is effective Sept. 30.
Fox spokesman John Barnes says Butler is acting chief until then.
Butler joined the patrol in 1992. Barnes says he stood out among the slate of internal candidates because of his leadership and administrative skills.
Hickethier resigned in August, six months after taking the position. He cited remarks he made to subordinates as a reason for his resignation.
A state trooper’s complaint alleges Hickethier sexually harassed women and made a racist comment at a training conference.