JANUARY 13, 2025|
Photo – Left to right: Deputy David Greninger, Sheriff Bakken, Ashten Hanson – Courtesy Sheriff Bakken
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the individuals and organizations who assisted the department in 2024.
During the January 7th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken emphasized the importance of community support for the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bakken specifically acknowledged HF Sinclair Refinery for their generous donation of $24,000, which funded the purchase of three mobile radio units.
Sheriff Bakken explained that he ordered three new patrol vehicles several months ago. While he had secured a grant to purchase the vehicles, the sheriff said he lacked the funding to equip them with radios. Thanks to HF Sinclair Community Relations Administrator Annette Penman, the Sheriff’s Department was able to order the necessary radio systems.
Sheriff Bakken stated that HF Sinclair serves as a model community-based organization. The sheriff thanked the refinery for offering funding opportunities to his department.
Next, Sheriff Bakken said that he began recognizing people and entities last year who have made significant contributions to the development of the Sheriff’s Department. In 2024, the sheriff recognized Carbon County School District One and Two Superintendents Mike Hamel and Darrin Jennings for their assistance in creating the school resource officer program.
This year, Sheriff Bakken announced that Level Up K9 Training and Consulting owner and founder Ashten Hanson was awarded the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Community Partner of the Year. The sheriff explained that two years ago, his department was set to lose its only K9 officer. However, thanks to the training opportunities offered by Hanson’s business, the sheriff’s office has two K9 officers for the first time.
Sheriff Bakken said the two K9 officers and their deputies are certified in bite apprehension and drug detection. The sheriff explained that obtaining and maintaining both certifications requires each deputy to put in nearly three full days of training every month.
Sheriff Bakken thanked Hanson for donating her time and services to the K9 officer program. Because of her expertise, the sheriff said other agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, rely on the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Sheriff Bakken said that without the support of both HF Sinclair and Level Up K9 Training, his department could not provide law enforcement services to the people of Carbon County as effectively.
