Wyoming Law
Enforcement
Academy
Fallen Officer Memorial
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Wyoming Game & Fish
Francis Gardert
Warden Francis Gradert died on April 24, 1973. Warden Gradert was live-trapping a beaver on Crow Creek, south of Cheyenne, Wyoming. After the beaver was trapped Warden Gradert pulled the trap to his truck. While inspecting the beaver for injuries Warden Gradert died of a sudden heart attack.
1973
Albany County Sheriff's Office
Dwain L. Hardigan
On May 4, 1979, Deputy Hardigan was serving as an observer in a small aircraft during a search and rescue operation for two lost skiers. The observers had just spotted the skiers, and the aircraft was making a pass over the skiers when it struck a power line. The aircraft crashed into a tree and Deputy Hardigan was killed.
1979
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
George W. Henderson II
On May 4, 1973, Special Agent Henderson died from an accidental gunshot wound he received during a narcotics arrest operation. Agent Henderson was pursuing a fleeing suspect down a hallway when Henderson apparently slipped against a wall, causing his weapon to discharge.
1973
Wyoming Highway Patrol
Pete Visser
On October 12, 1981, Patrolman Visser was investigating a traffic accident. Patrolman Visser was seated in his patrol car which was parked in the emergency lane of Interstate 80. A pickup truck was driven into the rear of the patrol car. Patrolman Visser suffered fatal injuries resulting from the impact.
1981
