MAY 13, 2025 |
Photo – National Police Week notice – Courtesy Rawlins Police Department
Carbon County law enforcement officers will gather in Rawlins this Thursday to honor their fallen colleagues.
This past Sunday marked the beginning of National Police Week.
On May 4th, 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward said the event is designed to recognize fallen peace officers.
Audio PlayerNational Police Week has expanded as peace officers continue to be killed in the line of duty. Rawlins Police Chief Ward said 26,950 officers have died since the proclamation’s inception 62 years ago.
Audio PlayerNo police officers have been killed in Wyoming this year. However, the Officer Down Memorial Page website lists four Carbon County officers who have died in the line of duty in the past 150 years.
On April 20th, 1903, Rawlins Police Officer John Baxter and Lieutenant Thomas Kling were ambushed and killed by a store owner while responding to a “shots-fired” call. The store owner was convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of both officers and sentenced to 4 years in prison.
On June 4th, 1996, Rawlins Police Lieutenant Delavan Lewis Dixon suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in the FBI Physical Fitness Challenge in Quantico, Virginia.
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has lost one officer. On August 19th, 1878, Deputy Sheriff Robert Widdowfield was killed by the infamous outlaw, Big Nose George Parrott. Deputy Widdowfield and Union Pacific detective Tip Vincent were tracking the gang after an attempted train robbery near the Medicine Bow River. The two lawmen located Big Nose George and his gang outside of Elk Mountain but were ambushed and killed.
Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward said National Police Week also serves as a time of healing for the families of fallen officers. Chief Ward said the impact an officer’s death has on their family is often overlooked.
Audio PlayerCarbon County will observe National Police Week with a flag ceremony and open house at the Rawlins Police Station. Chief Ward explained that law enforcement officers from around the county will gather in Rawlins to honor their fallen brethren.
Audio PlayerFollowing the flag ceremony, the Rawlins Police Department will host an open house. Chief Ward said the event serves as a chance for the public to connect with the people who are sworn to protect them. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Audio PlayerNational Police Week began this past Sunday and continues through Saturday, May 17th. On Thursday, May 15th, at 2:30 p.m., the Rawlins Police Department will hold a flag ceremony at the police station, located at 215 5th Street, to honor fallen officers across the country, followed by an open house.
