Helena city commissioners on Monday approved an agreement to provide extra security and training at the Capitol Complex.

Helena Police Sgt. John Fosket began patrolling state buildings last month. The state Department of Administration will reimburse the city about $178,000 this year and next to cover Fosket’s salary and benefits.

The 2007 Legislature approved the expenditure to provide additional law enforcement at the Capitol. The state previously employed private security.

Fosket also will work to develop training programs for state employees, including classes on lifesaving skills and self-defense.

Fosket has worked with HPD since 1993, when he and his canine Max transferred from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Max was Helena’s first police dog before retiring after two years of service.

City commissioners also agreed to renew a $55,000 per year contract to provide security at the Helena Housing Authority. The city has provided services on HHA properties for the past nine years.

The commission also promoted Cpl. Pete Callahan to the rank of sergeant. He’s worked with the Police Department since 1999 and is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Guard Reserve. He served in Iraq in 2004.

Commissioners agreed to promote officers Carrie Baker and Loren Mardis from probationary status to full-fledged police officers. Baker and Mardis each were hired by the police department in July 2006 and have successfully completed classes at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and a one-year training term at the department.

Baker and Mardis formerly served as detention officers at the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.