May 20, 2024 |
Photo – A row of officers pay respects to fallen officers – Courtesy City of Rawlins
The Rawlins Police Department held a ceremony to honor fallen peace officers last Thursday.
President John F. Kennedy, with approval from the 87th Congress, designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1961. The week in which the date falls is considered National Police Week.
Last Thursday, on May 16th, the Rawlins Police Department, in conjunction with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Wyoming Department of Corrections, held a flag ceremony outside of the Rawlins Police Station.
The event began with a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner sung by Jessalynn Mikesell. Following the performance, Reverend Bobbi Fitzhugh led the attendees in a prayer for fallen officers.
After the prayer, Rawlins Police Chief Ward began reading the names of the 12 Carbon County law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
Chief Ward started with deputy sheriff Robert Widdowfield and Union Pacific detective Henry Tip Vincent. Both men were murdered by Big Nose George Parrot and his gang in 1878.
Chief Ward mentioned Rawlins Lieutenant Thomas Kling and Officer John Baxter. Both officers were ambushed and killed by a local shop owner on April 20th, 1903.
Wyoming State Penitentiary Warden Neicole Molden continued listing the fallen peace officers. Warden Molden read the name of Prison Guard Ed Samuelson, who was shot and killed by an inmate at the Wyoming State Penitentiary on November 1, 1907. The warden also paid tribute to Wyoming Game and Fish Agents Bill Lakanen and Don Simpson. Both men were shot to death on October 31, 1945, while investigating reports of illegal hunting in the Sierra Madre mountain range by a notorious mountain man.
Department of Corrections Lieutenant Orville Lee Ventling was stabbed to death by two inmates in the recreation room at the Wyoming State Penitentiary on March 4th, 1975.
Wyoming Highway Patrolman Peter Visser died as a result of the injuries sustained when a drunk driver rear-ended his cruiser on October 12, 1981.
Rawlins Police Lieutenant Delavan Lewis Dixon suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in the FBI Physical Fitness Challenge in Quantico, Virginia on June 4, 1996.
Wyoming Department of Corrections Corporal Wayne Martinez was stabbed to death by three inmates during an escape attempt at the Wyoming State Penitentiary on June 26, 1997.
And Wyoming Highway Patrol K-9 Robbie was stuck and killed by a semi-truck on Interstate 80 while searching for drugs during a traffic stop on October 20, 2014.
After the final name was called, Rawlins Police Chief Ward asked for a moment of silence followed by a flag raising ceremony and the playing of TAPS.
When the song was finished, Chief Ward explained how, when President John F. Kennedy created Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1961, he said police are responsible for upholding the rights of every American.
Chief Ward said police officers perform a necessary, but dangerous duty for little compensation. The chief said being a police officer isn’t a career, but a calling. When asked why they wanted to join the police department, Chief Ward said most people responded by saying they want to serve and protect the public.
Chief Ward said National Police Week is a time to remember and honor the men and woman who gave their lives to keep the public safe.
