Friday, February 20, 2026 |
Photo – RPD patch and badge – Courtesy Rawlins Police Department
The Rawlins Police Department recognized officers for exceptional work in the line of duty.
During the February 17th Rawlins City Council meeting, Police Chief Mike Ward updated the governing body on an awards presentation held the previous week, during which, two officers received Distinguished Service Medals for their performance during a dangerous situation. Chief Ward began by explaining that keeping the community informed about what is happening, and why, remains one of the greatest challenges in law enforcement. Due to this issue, the chief said community engagement is one of the highest priorities of the Rawlins Police Department.
Chief Ward continued, saying that law enforcement is not a job or a career, it’s a calling. When asked why they chose to pursue a role in law enforcement, the police chief said candidates invariably say they want to help people.
After those remarks, Chief Ward said the Rawlins Police Department held its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, February 11th. The chief announced that Officer Amber Yardley and Lieutenant Jared Frakes received the Distinguished Service Medal for their actions during an incident last summer.
Chief Ward said Lieutenant Frakes remained calm and kept the suspect talking while informing other units about the situation. Frakes instructed Officer Yardley to bring a shotgun loaded with less‑lethal beanbag rounds. Chief Ward said together, their actions saved both, themselves and the suspect.
Another award presented during the February 11th ceremony was the Life Saving Medal. Chief Ward said Rawlins police officers are unique in that they’re called to assist during ambulance calls, unlike larger municipalities where the fire department handles all medical responses.
The chief added that for most of his police career, saving a life was a rare occurrence, but not in Rawlins.
After a life‑saving event, Chief Ward said officers typically dwell on the times they were unable to save someone. However, they come to work the next day and keep doing their jobs.
The police chief said during the awards ceremony, he recognized eight separate events where Rawlins police saved lives, several involving the same officers.
Chief Ward added that he believes Lieutenant Jared Frakes and Sergeant Thom Gamblin have saved more lives than anyone else he knows.
The Meritorious Service Ribbon also was presented to department members who completed an unusual task under difficult conditions that posed a risk to themselves or others.
Chief Ward described an incident in 2019 where officers placed themselves in danger to arrest an armed suspect.
The Meritorious Service Ribbon was also awarded to officers who responded to a six-hour standoff with Virgil Matthews, a Rawlins resident wanted for bond revocation stemming from a domestic violence charge. Officers stopped Matthews on the East side of the city. The suspect refused to surrender and brandished a bomb-like object.
Chief Ward said officers on scene, including Rawlins Police, Carbon County Sheriff’s deputies, and Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers, maintained the standoff during a blizzard while they waited for a special tactics team from Sweetwater County. Using what witnesses described as a flashbang, the out‑of‑county unit quickly apprehended the suspect and determined the bomb was fake.
Chief Ward said Rawlins police officers with more than five years on the force received the Faithful Service Ribbon during the February 11th ceremony. The chief then named the officers who earned the honor.
Next, Chief Ward mentioned the recipients of the Specialized Unit Ribbon, which is given to department members who complete advanced training and certification. The police chief said the drug recognition expert certification earned by Sergeant George Phillips is one of the most difficult credentials to receive.
Chief Ward concluded with the Instructor Ribbon presentation. As a small department, the chief said Rawlins police officers rely on one another to complete specialized training and pass that knowledge on to the rest of the agency, adding that every employee except the newest hires trained to serve as an instructor in some capacity. The police chief listed the officers who received the Instructor Ribbon during the awards ceremony.
After his presentation, Chief Ward received a standing ovation from the City Council.
