July 24, 2024 |
Photo – Town of Medicine Bow sign and CCSO logo – Courtesy CCSO
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has agreed to patrol the town of Medicine Bow in exchange for law enforcement equipment.
In February, citing a lack of funding, the Medicine Bow town council voted to dissolve the marshal’s department. The town is now sitting on several pieces of unneeded equipment, such as patrol vehicles, weapons, and ammunition.
Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken expressed interest in purchasing three police vehicles and three rifles from Medicine Bow. The town entered into negotiations with the county for the sale of the equipment. In the end, an agreement was made to sell the vehicles and guns to the sheriff for $55,000 and a memorandum of understanding to have deputies patrol Medicine Bow for 30 hours a month for one year.
During the July 15th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meetings, Sheriff Bakken asked for authorization to sign the MOU with Medicine Bow.
The board voted to enter a memorandum of understanding between the town of Medicine Bow, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Carbon County Commissioners.
With the signed agreement, Sheriff Bakken said deputies have now taken over law enforcement duties for three Carbon County towns. The sheriff said everyone benefits from having deputies patrol more of the county.
Next, Sheriff Bakken asked the board to allow him to purchase three patrol vehicles and three rifles from the defunct Medicine Bow Marshal’s department. Altogether, the equipment will cost $55,000, said the sheriff.
Sheriff Bakken said the purchases will be paid for using impact assistance funds from either the Gateway South or TransWest Express powerline projects.
The Board voted to approve the purchase of the law enforcement equipment from Medicine Bow.
Sheriff Bakken thanked the commissioners for supporting his efforts to have deputies provide law enforcement coverage for the county’s municipalities.
