Montana Tow Operator Sues City, Former Police Chief

A federal lawsuit filed in Hardin — a southeastern Montana community near Billings — accuses the city and former Police Chief Paul M. George Jr. of improperly removing a towing company from the police tow rotation.

Laurie Tschetter, owner of GV Towing, claims her company lost revenue after being excluded from police-requested towing calls despite maintaining required state certifications.

According to the lawsuit, disputes between Tschetter and George began in 2024 following disagreements over towing response times and a missing persons report. Tschetter later filed a complaint against George with Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training.

The suit alleges George later declared GV Towing ineligible for towing work and permanently removed the company from the rotation without notice or a hearing.

Attorney Matthew Monforton argues the city violated Tschetter’s constitutional rights and retaliated against her protected public criticism. The lawsuit seeks damages, attorney fees and reinstatement to the tow rotation. Source: https://dailymontanan.com/