APF's Newest Employee

Tools

By Sarah Gravlee

HARDIN - The California-based security company planning to take over the Hardin jail promises to hire dozens of local employees. Last week they made their first local hire when they signed former Billings Gazette reporter Becky Shay as their director of public relations.

Shay still needs a map to get around the 114,000 square foot facility. With 20 years of reporting under her belt, Shay said she's more comfortable with a pen in her hand and topping her to-do list is purchasing new reporter's notebooks.

"I've got printer's ink in my blood," she said.

On Friday, Shay shocked local media when she handed in her resignation at the Billings Gazette and began working for American Police Force. Less than 24 hours after taking the job Shay held her first press conference.

"It was just surreal to stand in front of people I worked with for 9 year instead of standing shoulder to shoulder with them," she said. Shay's previously reported on the Hardin Jail and American Police Force's involvement with the jail. The last story she filed was Thursday night, after she had already been in negotiations with Capt. Michael with APF. Shay's editor said he had no idea she was in talks with the company. So what did it take for her to join the force?

"My terms were: I don't want the moon and the stars, but I'd like to be able to see them from the patio," Shay said. She is earning $60,000 dollars a year, received a signing bonus, a brand new company car and is getting help making the down payment on a new home.

"Here I am feeling the best I've ever felt about myself," she said. "At a great point in my life."

She said she vetted the company and was told things they will not tell the media.

"I am absolutely positive I made a great career choice," she said.

Among shay's responsibilities is handling media questions. "I will always answer any question that is posed," she said. "It may be a response, not an answer."

When asked who APF's parent company is Shay said, "I feel that story line has spun out. Right now the heart of the story is we're here to open the facility to spur economic development in Hardin."

Shay said APF is planning a job fair sometime in October.

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Marine said on Wednesday, Oct 7 at 10:33 AM

Thanks Robo, I did not advocate for this particular company or attest to the owners character. I just set the record straight for civilian contractors and how this industry operates. I fully agree with you sir hang em high! As for US military troops patrolling streets I think that there are situations that fit all enemies foreign and domestic. Semper Fi and do you fly fish?

trace said on Tuesday, Oct 6 at 2:25 PM

I've seen some people actually give a thumbs up to Becky Shay for the position she took. She didn't give 2 weeks notice.. just up and quit within 24hrs. That's not a standUP person!!! Her eyes got REALLY big as the Con-Man spun his web and asked her if she wanted to work for him...She know's the truth behind ALL OF THIS and yet refuses to quit or to tell Hardin the real story. I DO NOT feel sorry for this woman and hope she eats crow for a LONG TIME! You can't throw people under the bus!

Robo said on Monday, Oct 5 at 9:28 AM

Marine-It is your duty to conduct a bit more research before chiming in. Hardin/Djokich is not an American like Erik Prine of Blackwater and has never served in the military. He's a crook and our streets should never be patrolled by private companies or the military. Ever heard of Posse Commitatus? Semper Fi!

Robo said on Monday, Oct 5 at 9:24 AM

This guy is a crook. He's a cook not a business man. I know his son. He stole his own sons identity and stuck him with hundreds of thousands of debt to the IRS. His real last name is Djokich (pronounced Jockitch). He will steal your money. The sheriff should remove him and his company from Montana immediately.

Marine said on Sunday, Oct 4 at 4:50 PM

I'm done on this blog. I am retired and it's not my service anymore. I will just stick to my hunting and fishing. Alot of emotion in all of you. Hope everything works out for everyone. Peace out.

taxpayer of montana said on Friday, Oct 2 at 10:02 PM

I read of interest of the proposal to do a "protest march" in Hardin! Be generous with time/date, I want to join you!! Montana needs to get this "SCUMBAG" on the road back to California for good this tine

Matilda said on Friday, Oct 2 at 4:48 PM

Secrecy, rather than frank and open discussions with all those that matter (in this case, citizens of Hardin and surrounding communities) always breeds contempt and the suggestion of cover-up to the real agenda. It seems this is pretty apparent in this case. Al Peterson and the rest of the Two Rivers Board, the entire Hardin City Council, Becky Shay, Kerri Smith and Hardin Mayor Ron Adams only have themselves to blame as this “deal” falls apart! Shame on them all!

Mike said on Friday, Oct 2 at 10:33 AM

Hey "marine" I suppose you support the torture, illegal detention, and the slaughter of 1 million Iraqis for Americas safety. Companies like APF are "slaughter for profit" with no alligence to the Constitution. This is one many private armies being used by our government to circumvent international law and the Constitution.

Censored said on Friday, Oct 2 at 10:08 AM

Hey thanks for deleting my previous post, i guess this has been infiltrated as well. This is a sorry excuse for a town and none of the officials here should be called American nor have a right to pledge allegiance to the flag, because you obviously worship money more. So even if you do censor me it's too late, the info is already all over the web.

shayhardinscrewsamerica said on Friday, Oct 2 at 9:55 AM

Live; Shay and Hardin county officials sell their souls and residents of Hardin to the Devil! Bringing Serbia to America??? I hope you reap what you sow in the next life. How can you sell out America and it's citizens for a "new company care", a signing bonus??? Boycott Montana, don't visit or do business with them, unless they get these convicts out!!!

Sold out on tinfoil said on Friday, Oct 2 at 9:03 AM

Marine, you seem to have some common sense and reason. You've only run into the conspiracy theory- clan. My hat off for you (it's not made out of tinfoil)! They can be very hateful.

whistlblower said on Friday, Oct 2 at 7:34 AM

"marine" in these comments is Becky Shay.

lenno said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 10:57 PM

Poor Poor Becky, she realy did sell-out I wonder if she has cashed that check yet and if she actually believes what they told her! Her reply that her job is to answer questions but she may not always answeractualy anser but reply with a response has OBAMMA written all over it

Luke said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 10:37 PM

Geez, the more I read of Marine's comments, the stupider he seems. Many of us "whiners" have done a hell of alot more for this country than just strap on a gun and go overseas to fight for the fat cats' pocketbooks. Our freedom doesn't come from you, it comes from our Creator. You and most of those like you are a bigger threat to our freedoms than Saddam or the Taliban ever were.

Luke said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 10:33 PM

Where the hell is the militia at? Go arrest all these APF criminals. And to "Marine", a quote from George Carlin.."You strap on a gun and go struttin' around another man's country, you better be ready for some action, jack."

i feel like i'm taking crazy pills! said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 9:40 PM

becky becky becky...it's so sad that you have sold your soul to the fascists that will be torturing and murdering your fellow citizens. how will you sleep at night sweetheart? all for a paycheck? welcome to the new america, the land of no morality.

PSYOP 2 said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 7:32 PM

Marine you are either delusional and programmed or you are disinformation dude. There are laws about foreign entities occupying on American soil IN ANY CAPACITY, This is NOT a third world country trying to rebuild this is my home!! America!! At the very least they are posting up fraudulently; they won't even tell us here in MT or anywhere else who the f**k they ARE, so get over your bullsh*t "Everything the Govt does is OK" crap. WAKE UP!!!

PSYOP 2 said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 7:27 PM

Marine, you are either programmed and DELUSIONAL

PSYOP 2 said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 7:26 PM

Marine, you are either DELUSIONAL AND PROGRAMMED

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:59 PM

Finally, someone sees the truth. Fact is 57% of the United States personnel on the ground in Afghanistan right now are not military but US American Contractors. Politicians have deep pockets and thats the way it is. Democrats ruined it along time ago by cutting back size of the US Military but the show must go on so who gets the contracts to support the wars? Maybe your newest Hardin Resident as dirty as they come.

UprisingIsNear said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:04 PM

Have no doubt that the military/police/mercenaries/etc. are being trained to turn against the American people. Some say that law-enforcement would never do such a thing as commit treason...you bet your sweet a** they will and already are. If their superiors are traitors, they will immediately follow suit. Fascism is coming and most Americans are still blindly watching television and have no clue about anything. We are so screwed.

Thundercloud said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:04 PM

Ashton Kutcher.. Why did you "punk" a whole town? To the reporter that jumped ship...uh...did you investigate these con artists first?

Elvis Oswald said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 5:23 PM

APF will be the new police force in this town. So there will be no protest of, or assault on this prison when American Dissidents are housed there. Our government has appointed ex-KGB to work in DHS - and now we have Serbian military contractors (look at their logo) running prisons and towns... buying off the locals with cold cash. Notice - they picked someone the locals trusted for information to be the one to lie for them. Genius.

repo man said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 4:29 PM

Becky, you are driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz and we are looking for it and you. Your boss is a scumbag too. Or haven't you been reading the newspapers?

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 3:40 PM

I agree with American Patriot. If this companies intention and motive is to conduct domestic police operations then hell no. as far a Blackwater it is ashame that a company who operated without blemish for years can be so resented for one bad incident and taint the reputation of so many others. Blackwater seems blackballed although they have had some great decent employees who selected because of their experience in service to this country. Sad we only support our troops when they serve.

AmericanPatriot said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 3:14 PM

This is absoloute treason! These types of companies cannot be allowed to operate on American soil as a seudo-paramilitary group. Just putting police department logos on their vehicles alone is breaking the LAW. Write your Congressmen and Women and write President Obama. Tell them you will not stand for the privatization of your police force by secretive companies who are unwilling to be forthcoming with their intentions. APF is owned and operated by Blackwater (AKA: XE) and is 6 months old.

Timothy Bledsoe said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 1:42 PM

Anyone who knows anything about public relations can fully assume that their newest employee not only knows everything that is coming out, but knows far more than we know. Without having full knowledge of activities would nullify her abilities to perform her low paying job. Too many Americans do not deserve the freedoms they are quickly losing.

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 1:18 PM

Mrs. Shay has done nothing wrong. Why are you people so hateful? If the company has done wrong then they will be held accountable. She is just doing a job to be the spokes person. condemnation is not the lord's and if it is yours then you should check your ethics.

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:41 PM

On the contrary, I do not love death or killing, I love living. I am free and America is the greatest country on earth and I believe in defending it. If that means that civilian security augmentees are needed to complete our gorvernment's mission then I support it. As for mercenaries I suggest you google and define because contractors work for our America and not a foreign soveriegnty. Educate yourself or stick to truth. Ligitimate honest work is what your negating.

D said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:28 PM

she sold her soul to the left hand of satan. and she will know it before the end

Bob said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:19 PM

Marine ex military have no business in foreign countries as mercenaries and get what they deserve if they are. Peace does not come from the barrel of a gun. Dieing for oil is not too bright !

Anonymous said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:13 PM

Marine is well trained brainwashed and loves death and killing. Beieves that people that don't like killing and war are somehow lesser than he is just the kind of guy you want as your neighbor.

Richard said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:01 PM

Her choice was a career choice, not an ethical choice. She'll learn soon enough the ins and outs of treason.

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 11:48 AM

Kurt, An excerpt for you: The deaths bring the number of Blackwater employees killed in Iraq to 18. Six employees of the American security contractor were killed Thursday when a Bulgarian commercial helicopter crashed north of Baghdad. A seventh died when a roadside bomb detonated next to one of the company's armored personnel carriers near Ramadi. Four Blackwater employees were wounded in the Ramadi attack. All were working under contract to the U.S. military. Do you disown Americans?

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 11:38 AM

Kurt, Many of my colleagues left service honorably, one after 30 years and worked for a private company to augment security while our government stood up diplomatic presence in Iraq, was that a crime? should he have to stay in Iraq? Is that where he belongs? Don't question my service or put your spin on my views, I too served in combat more than once. In fact over 50% of my career was deployed abroad. Shame on you for dispelling the truth.

Marine said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 11:22 AM

US Contractors are people who some of you are calling mercenaries. Big contracts from Halliburton, Kelly Brown and Root, DynCorps, etc who subcontract their protection services while operating abroad. I am not an advocate of martial law or letting a privitized police force operate domestic. If they are legal and legitimate then they have a right to operate and protect their employees. I have been a US Dipomatic Embassy guard. Black Water was unfortunate but not all are bad companies.

jome said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 11:13 AM

What? I cant believe what I read from some vets here. You accept foreign troops in our country for whatever the reason? Shall we now truly call the american military, the american foreign legion? it is apparent that alot of the military are not following their oath or even understood it when they took it. Terrible! Yes, I have served. but I remember the oath I took.

BeTrueSeekTruth said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 10:44 AM

In Pittsburgh PA we just witnessed Martial Law imposed on the city population at the bequest of the G20. There's a good chance that these mercenaries in Hardin could outdo the thugs in PIttsburgh

True Ott - Ogden Utah said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 9:38 AM

An "off-the-record" employee of DynCorp confirmed that they are the parent company of APF. Would you Ms. Shay like to confirm or deny this? If not, why all of the secrecy?

Keep your Freedom said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 9:23 AM

Wow, Becky is playing w/ us! Becky how can you feel good about yourself? Is it just money that has the power to make a human being overlook wrong doings? You are the poster child for American society now, as long as your personal world is okay, your are okay. Sad really.

Joe said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 8:43 AM

So the grass is not so green on the other side of the fence eh Becky. I'll bet these people disapear in the middle of the night..

Bye Bye American Pie said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 6:42 AM

WOW poor gal was sold a Bill of Goods, hope she can get her job back

yet another taxpayer in Hardin said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 3:02 AM

Yes we need to protest??? why all of the secrets...why are the lights off on the road in front of the facility and the facility parking lot when they have been on for almost two years now and during the time we were unsure we could pay that electric bill??? Why can't anyone give the citizens here an answer of any kind? They are hiding something...that is the bottom line....we need to get together and fight this....we need to start holding our own public meetings

Becky Shay said on Thursday, Oct 1 at 12:12 AM

Crap...hope the Gazette will give me my old job back...

Robert Gandy said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:22 PM

I commend her for making a career move to improve her life. I commend the town of Hardin for taking their economic future in their own hands. That said, why the secrecy of the parent company? Shouldn't they be proud of who they work for? Who will fill the jail? Who is paying the APF? Are their contracts public? Where are APF officers trained? Do they have regular police powers? Where does APF buy its equipment? If they are legit, they have nothing to fear. -RCG

cowboy25a said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 5:10 PM

lady you just sold your soul,,,im going to go clean my car-15 and pray...

bkw160901 said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 3:45 PM

SOUNDS LIKE THEY ARE OPENING A CAMP FOR THOSE WHO REFUSE THE N1N1 VACCINE.

Bob in N.J. said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 3:41 PM

I heard about this on You Tube and I have to admit it has me a little concerned. If the A.P.F. starts patrolling the streets and making arrests I would question the Legality of such a force and notify the nearests F.B.I. office ifthat hasn't already been done.

bkw160901 said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 3:34 PM

SOUNDS LIKE THEY ARE OPENING A FEMA DETENTION CENTER FOR THOSE WHO EITHER REFUSE TO TAKE THE H1N1 VACCINE OR THOSE THAT REFUSE TO BE QUARANTINED IN THEIR OWN HOME. SEE CDC.GOV HHS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PLAN, PAGE 129-130.

PsyOp said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 2:42 PM

This guy going by the name "Marine" seems to be a disinformation agent-threatening people - and saying how good mercenaries are - ya really...... lie on misinformer-plz ban this agent for threatening others

American said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 2:21 PM

Am I mistaken or did Marine just issue a threat? are you cracked son? don't issue threats to Americans you dolt. this type of so called police have no business in civilian sectors. these are black water type of people and are nothing short of a Danger to the public. to allow hired guns to roam the streets is a recipe for disaster!!

Alex Jones said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 2:20 PM

DON'T TRADE FREEDOM FOR some CASH - THIS FREEDOM WAS EARNED WITH THE BLOOD OF OUR FATHERS

WILLUSELLyourSOUL said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 2:06 PM

Thomas Jefferson once said, “Those who would trade safety for freedom deserve neither.” -Be an Example! Remember THEY scouted/chose you thinking you are weak. Were they right??? This is not about money it is about Freedom from Tryanny.

Promethius101 said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 1:48 PM

Have we not seen this coming?

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 1:45 PM

It's never going to end. There is always going to be fighting and war and people trying to get ahead of others- even if it means walking over their dead bodies. It has come to a time when everyone should prepare how they want to play a part in the war. Are you going to fight or let them run you over.

UPMIGirl said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 1:42 PM

It is this kind of behavior, amoung human beings in general, that makes me think so what let the big one(war) start, it will be the beginning of the end. And the Earth would be better off with out us.

Watcher said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 1:39 PM

The lady had been covering the story for 2 years. She gave her resignation on Friday, and held a press conference on Saturday. Tell me she wasn't working behind the scenes with APF for at least part of those 2 years. Nobody brand new to an orgagnization is prepared for their press conference just 1 day after being hired. If ya smell a fish, follow your nose :)

Kurt said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 9:51 AM

Well Mr Marine, those private police forces paid to clean up in Mogidishu, Kabul, Need to stay there. This is America and its Montana, Our police forces seem to do just fine. If these so-called brothers of yours were real men then they would not have false addresses in Wa DC and would use there real names. This is not Kabul its Montana. O by the way I took that oath for over 26 years, and served 6 years of my life in Iraq,Afghan both Military and civilain

Matilda said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 9:34 AM

The time has come! It is time that the citizens of not just Hardin, but all of Montana, stand up and say we don't want you here if you cannot tell us, or will not tell us, who you are! Enough is enough!! You won't tell us where your money comes from or who owns you...this is stupid!_As Montanan’s send APF away on a rail, Kerri Smith, Becky Shay, the Two Rivers Board and the Hardin City Council should all go with them. Shame on them!

Matilda said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 9:31 AM

Since the trustee for the Hardin Jail bonds, US Bank, has not signed off on the deal, it is hopeful that they have their eyes wide open to the possibility of this deal being in violation of the USA Patriot Act and anti-money laundering requirements. Who are the principals of APF and where does their funding originate? My bet is OFAC guidance will be part of the bank's due diligence in this deal!

1776blues said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 9:23 AM

Concerned; you ask how is filing a BK possible twice in 6 years. Lets say I filed a BK in 2004 and the final judgement is issued within that same year the law then permits me to file another one in 2010. How do I know this? I filed a BK in 1998 and another in 2004.

Marine said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 8:51 AM

Tony, I did take that oath. I took it over and over for over 20 years. These police will patrol the streets of Mogidishu, Kabul, Bahgdad, and other places. This is a civilian contracting company that helps foreign governments to establish their own militaries, police forces etc. They are paid to sustain and train after our troops withdrawl from a region.

Concerned said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 8:13 AM

ScamBusters, how did you find his name? 2 times in 6 years? How is that possible?

joe said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 7:55 AM

a divided people are easier to conquer

Tony said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 7:21 AM

Marine -- Did you take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and DOMESTIC? What do you think our founding fathers would think of military style private police patrolling the streets of America? You are on the wrong side of history brother. It's just sad you're too stupid to see it.

ScamBusters said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:28 AM

Miodrag Dokovich (a.k.a. Michael Hilton) from Santa Ana, CA filed for bankruptcy twice in the past 6 years. Any unanswered questions about this company, its "captain" or its finances are questions that must be answered! Tell the public!

Robert Hugh said on Wednesday, Sep 30 at 4:46 AM

The last time a paramilitary group had anything to do in this capacity. Civilians got mowed down and black water just smiled. Everything is Hardins already so sell out for 8 jobs now or get the start up capital and hire locial and keep it within your area. Locial people being accountable and put to work not that an Arab owning this business living in Cailfornia needs any more money..I am sure that there are many people quailfied to run the place in Montanna, keep it local

sorry said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 11:24 PM

I feel sorry for her getting duped like that. Hopefully she can get her job back at the Gazette.

JACK said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 11:00 PM

Well I am a local in Hardin and I say to all of you sceptics just let it play out and shut up if you do not want Hardin to prosper then it is your problem we will in spite of you.

Lost It said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 10:35 PM

Have you all lost it, you live in Montana everyone has a gun, some own enough for everyone, an invasion would be met with hostile force, It would be a battlefield again but much more brutal.

Marine said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 9:59 PM

This woman had an opportunity to improve her life (period) That is her opportunity and her business. Who are any of you to judge her. Your opinions are based on what? Shame on any of you for judging her choice to leave the Gazette and take a position with more incentive, she earned it.

Marine said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 9:31 PM

I think most of you commenting should move to Colorado. You would be more welcome there. You sound like paranoid hippis. RED DAWN RED DAWN! Smoke another bowl tie die gypsie lovers.

Montanagirl said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 9:02 PM

Becky Shay is an easily bought-off desperate fat woman. She will get what she deserves and so will Hardin if they don't kick out these mercenaries ...

Marine said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 8:48 PM

Hey Chris Killz, The foreign mercenaries you speak of are mostly comprised of prior service SEALS, MARINES, and other services. What have you done for your country whiner! Be careful who you call foreign, brotherhood in arms is taken to heart.

Concerned said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 8:37 PM

American Police Force is a SERBIAN PARAMILITARY INVASION FORCE. There is NOTHING American about them. For Becky Shay to suddenly leave her job means She Was Threatened. I have traced APF's real website, http:// www.dpsna.com to Portugal. The decals that were on the cars were SERBIAN COAT OF ARMS. APF is a FOREIGN INVADING FORCE on U.S. Soil.

frodar said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 6:54 PM

It still sounds like a joke to me, but, what if this is a prelude to something more scary?

Taxpayer in Hardin said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 6:45 PM

Come on people. Let's do a protest at the head of the City Council and march to Becky Shay's home. She clearly admits here that she accepts 13 peices of silver (ie $60,000 and a car) in order to represent foreign interests getting a lot of taxpayer money to do???) to help out of towners do whatever they want to locals WITH NO ACCOUNTABILITY. Come on, our tax money -- and our family's God given rights -- are at stake here!

Ike Hall said on Tuesday, Sep 29 at 6:42 PM

disclaimer: not a local. The story has been pretty amazing thus far. Are there any local bloggers posting information about this case? And will Hardin at least get a monorail out of this deal?

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