Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Wyoming Safe

Wyoming is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Wyoming first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Detective James Pendleton (Cheyenne) — Detective James Pendleton of the Cheyenne Police Department received the Chief’s Award in January 2025 for his tireless efforts in solving one of the city’s most infamous cold cases. Pendleton spent countless hours re-examining evidence in the 2015 Coin Shop Double Homicide, leading to the arrest and charging of a suspect nearly a decade later. His meticulous investigative work brought long-awaited justice to the victims and closure to their families. Pendleton’s dedication exemplifies the impact one determined officer can have on a community. Read more here.

Ret. Fire-EMS Chief Mark Young (Casper) — Retired Chief Mark Young was inducted into the 2024 Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame for his lasting contributions to the Casper Fire-EMS Department. During his tenure, Young oversaw the construction of new fire stations and championed modern risk reduction initiatives that remain central to the department’s mission. Nearly a third of Casper’s current fire personnel were hired under his leadership, and his vision continues to shape the department today. Read more here.

EMT Kayleen Harding (Riverton) — In 2024, Riverton EMT Kayleen Harding was nationally recognized for her efforts to bridge cultural gaps between EMS professionals and tribal communities on the Wind River Reservation. As a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Harding has worked to improve communication and build trust between responders and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Her compassion and cultural awareness are helping to create more inclusive, effective emergency care. Read more here.

Officers Kevin Bennett and Isaac Gutierrez (Powell) — Officers Kevin Bennett and Isaac Gutierrez were honored for heroic actions during a February apartment fire in Powell. Responding before firefighters arrived, both officers entered the burning building from separate entrances to ensure everyone had evacuated safely. Their swift response helped save multiple lives, including a family and their cat. Recognized by the police chief and community, their bravery reflected a deep commitment to protecting the lives of Powell residents. Read more here.

Sergeant John Harris and Officer Jeremy Traverse (Cody) — Sergeant John Harris and Officer Jeremy Traverse of the Cody Police Department were honored in May 2024 for separate lifesaving acts performed while responding to medical emergencies. In August 2023, Harris arrived before EMS to assist an unresponsive 72-year-old woman. He administered CPR and guided the victim’s daughter to retrieve an AED, which revived the woman before paramedics arrived. Just months later, in January 2024, Traverse saved a 65-year-old woman from choking by performing the Heimlich maneuver after arriving ahead of the ambulance. Their quick actions and calm under pressure directly saved two lives and earned them recognition for heroism from Police Chief Jason Stafford. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Wyoming to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!