Missoula fifth-grader wins Montana law enforcement poster contest

HELENA, Mont. — Brooke Murphy of Missoula is the winner of the 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest during National Police Week.

Brooke, a fifth-grade student at Hellgate Intermediate, celebrated with her class today along with Attorney General Austin Knudsen, Montana Highway Patrol Col. Kurt Sager and a Stockman Bank representative.

In her artist statement, Brooke explained why she entered.

“I appreciate law enforcement. They help us no matter what,” Brooke said.

Knudsen said the contest was meant to show support for officers across Montana. He also said the winning artwork will be displayed in Montana Department of Justice offices around the state and shared with law enforcement agencies statewide.

“It’s important to instill in young Montanans that this is a state that ‘Backs the Blue.’ Knowing they have the support of the community can make a world of difference to law enforcement officers and these posters are a visual reminder that Montanans have their backs,” Knudsen said in a release. “Colonel Sager and I had a great time celebrating with Brooke and her class today. Thanks to everyone who submitted a poster this year,” Knudsen said.

Brooke’s class received $750 from Stockman Bank. Five regional winners were also selected and each will receive $250 from the bank along with an ice cream social delivered by local troopers.

The regional winners are Payson Wittmer of Great Falls, Madison Turner of Huntley, Jacob Baisch of Glendive, Ainsley Robinson of Ronan and Finley Roney of Livingston. 

Links to their artwork can be viewed here.