OFFICER: DWAIN L. HARDIGAN

DEPARTMENT: ALBANY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DATE OF INCIDENT: MAY 4, 1979

DETAILS: Deputy Hardigan was serving as an observer in a small aircraft during a search and rescue operation for two lost cross country skiers.  The operation was being conducted in the Snow Range area about 25 miles west of Laramie.  The aircraft had just spotted the skiers and was making a pass over the skiers when it struck a power line.  The aircraft crashed into a tree and Deputy Hardigan was killed in the crash.