March 2, 2023 |
Photo-Deputy Joel Robertson sworn-in by Judge Dawnessa Snyder – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
Two law enforcement officers with decades of experience joined the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo – Deputy Kranenberg sworn-in by Judge Dawness Snyder – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
Joel Robertson and Ted Kranenberg were sworn in Monday in the newly remodeled Carbon County Courthouse. Sheriff Alex Bakken described both deputies’ backgrounds.
Deputy Kranenberg was the Marshal for the town of Hanna. Sheriff Bakken said Deputy Kranenberg wanted more responsibility, so he joined the Sheriff’s Office. Until Hanna finds a new Marshal, Sheriff Bakken said his department will cover the town.
On Tuesday, Carbon County Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, with the Sheriff’s Office to provide a deputy for the schools. Sheriff Bakken said Deputy Robertson’s first assignment will be to act as the Carbon County School District #1’s resource officer.
Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Robertson was the school resource officer for the Rawlins Police Department. Sheriff Bakken said Deputy Robertson’s experience made him the best candidate for the job. In his duties as school resource officer for CCSD1, Deputy Robertson will split his time between Rawlins High School and the Little Snake River Valley School. Sheriff Bakken explained what a school resource officer is.
A school resource officer has the power to make arrests on school grounds. The Rawlins Police Department will continue to provide their own school resource officer as well. When asked if Carbon County District #1 schools needed two law enforcement officers, Sheriff Bakken said yes.
Along with the MOU to protect the schools, the Sheriff’s Office signed an agreement with Wyoming Highway Patrol. Sheriff Bakken explained what the Highway Patrol MOU involves.
Before the MOU, only on-duty Sheriff’ Deputies were able to help with road closures. To assist with staff shortages in the Highway Patrol, Sheriff Bakken said off-duty deputies can now cover the gates too.
Sheriff Bakken said this winter’s drifting snow means it is likely his deputies will be called to guard the road closure gates soon.
