Thursday, DECEMBER 18, 2025 |
Photo – HF Sinclair Refinery – Bigfoot99 file photo
Carbon County officials expressed gratitude to HF Sinclair for donating emergency preparedness equipment.
During the December 16th Commissioners meeting, Emergency Manager Lenny Layman told the board that he had been in contact with HF Sinclair Community Relations Administrator Annette Penman about a donated Starlink system. Developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite‑based internet service that provides high‑speed access to remote areas. Layman explained that he relied on Natrona County’s Starlink system during the March power outage and, finding it highly effective, reached out to Penman to secure a donation from the refinery.
Layman said after attending several meetings with the HF Sinclair grant team, the refinery awarded him $12,000 to purchase a commercial grade Starlink system. The county emergency manager explained that the self‑contained unit can be deployed wherever needed, delivering internet access to more than 230 users within a half‑mile radius.
In addition to the Starlink system itself, Layman also used the HF Sinclair donation to purchase an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power unit. The emergency manager said the battery pack can keep Starlink running for over 48 hours.
Layman also purchased a 450-watt portable solar panel. The emergency manager said the solar array can connect to the battery pack, automatically recharging it in roughly five hours.
Using the power unit and solar panel together, Layman said the county can provide off‑grid communications for 235 users, almost indefinitely.
Next, IT Director Matt Webster explained that Layman proposed routing the county network through Starlink during an internet outage. Webster said he believes the plan may work and will begin compatibility testing in the new year.
Following the IT Director’s comments, Sheriff Alex Bakken explained that he requested a grant from HF Sinclair to purchase a smaller Starlink system. Sheriff Bakken said deputies could deploy the portable devices in parts of the county lacking reliable communications coverage.
Sheriff Bakken described Starlink as a game changer.
Emergency Manager Lenny Layman said that HF Sinclair staff will test the system to determine if it can supplement refinery communications during an outage.
HF Sinclair Community Relations Administrator Annette Penman thanked Emergency Manager Layman and Sheriff Bakken, adding that refinery staff will coordinate with them to arrange the Starlink test.
Commission Chairman Travis Moore thanked HF Sinclair for helping make Carbon County safer for all residents.
HF Sinclair also donated $6,000 to the City of Rawlins to purchase equipment for the Rawlins Junior Golf program.
