Wyoming Highway Patrol

You probably saw an unexpected sight if you were traveling on I-25 north of Cheyenne this morning. This small aircraft was able to land successfully after encountering some engine trouble. The pilot was also able to take off from the roadway after diagnosing and fixing the problem. We wish the pilot the best in getting to his destination safely. It is also a good reminder to not drive distracted, you never know what might land in front of you.

Recently, Troopers in Troop 'N' (Park County, and Big Horn County) were contacted by retired New South Whales Highway Patrol, Australia, Officer Barry Jones. Mr. Jones was visiting the area and wanted to meet some of our Troopers to see what patrolling the highways of Wyoming was like. Mr. Jones is pictured here with Trooper C. Rawlston, Officer R. Meyers, and Lt. L. Pence (not pictured). The gentleman discussed the roles, rewards, challenges, and highs and lows of being a frontline law enforcement officer in Highway Patrol operations. Mr. Jones presented Rawlston, Meyers, and Pence with a plaque afterward. We always enjoy visiting with fellow law enforcement officers and appreciate your time and visit retired Officer Jones!

Today, we join the nation in remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor the innocent lives lost and the brave first responders who answered the call with heroism and sacrifice. Let us continue to stand together and never forget the impact of their sacrifice.

This morning a crash occurred at about 9:30 AM on I-80 at about mile marker 223. The crash involved two commercial vehicles. One of the commercial vehicles was engulfed by fire. An occupant has succumbed to injuries involved in the crash. Crews are working diligently to reopen the roadway, however, due to the heavy damage to the vehicles it is taking time to remove them safely from the roadway.

Eastbound I-80 is still closed at this time.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the road reopening visit. www.wyoroad.info

🤩 Congratulations to Trooper J. Pittsley on completing field training! 🥳

Trooper Julih Pittsley was hired with Patrol in January of 2024 and will be stationed in Troop 'M', which serves Converse and Niobrara County. Trooper Pittsley grew up in the area and is excited to serve his community in his new role. Congratulations again, Trooper Pittsley!

✏️ Back to school!! 🖍

With school being back in session, we would like to remind drivers how to properly operate around school buses. Wyoming State Statue 31-5-507(a) states - The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any stopped school bus shall stop before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated. The illustration below shows the appropriate action that a driver will take when approaching a school bus with lights activated. Keep the safety of children in mind when operating a vehicle around school buses!

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will close US26/287 west of Dubois about 4 pm today due to excessive smoke and limited visibility near the Fish Creek Fire on Togwotee Pass.

As of this morning, more than 15,500 acres had burned on the Fish Creek Fire. The fire has been very active today and continues to burn in a northeast direction. Hot winds, low humidity and higher-than-normal temperatures are helping the fire to advance near to US26/287 (Togwotee Pass).

The duration of the highway closure is not known at this time. If you’re able, make alternative travel plans. For road conditions, please go to wyoroad.info.

🐕 It's National Dog Day!!!!! 🐕
Today, we celebrate our four-legged Guardians of the Cowboy State!! These K9s and their Trooper partners train tirelessly and work across the state to help keep drugs out of our communities. We would like to wish everyone out there and their K9 partners a happy National Dog Day!

Our K9 partners are as follows: Max, Kilo, Coco, Jack, Rocky, Zoey, Petra, and Duster.

🥵 As warm temperatures continue, we want to remind everyone to be fire-safe! 🔥

Troopers across the state have assisted fire crews with highway closures and keeping communities safe. A statue that we would like to remind travelers of is 6-3-107, Throwing Burning Substance From Vehicle;
- A person who throws a burning substance from a vehicle is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both.
Our Troopers, and law enforcement state-wide take this very seriously, so please, do your part in keeping not only Wyoming beautiful, but or communities safe!

The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to congratulate Trooper Brad White on his promotion to Sergeant. During Trooper White’s 26-year career with our agency, he demonstrated his leadership and a great work ethic throughout his time with Troop D in Evanston.
Trooper White is currently a member of the SRT, PEER Support Team, and is a CVSA Level I Inspector; in addition, Brad has several years experience as a range master and Field Training Officer.
Prior to his law enforcement career, he served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. Congratulations Sergeant White!

🎉 Help us congratulate Sgt Cody Smith on his recent promotion!! 🥳

Sgt Smith was recently promoted to the Sergeant of Troop M, which serves Converse and Niobrara counties where he started his career in 2014. Sgt Smith contributes much to the agency, outside of his leadership, such as; Field Training Officer, Honor Guard, Senior Operator, and Alive at 25 Instructor. Sgt Smith also brings the experience from his long and distinguished military career. We are excited for Sgt Smith to take on this new role! Congratulations Sgt Smith!

🥳 Congratulations to Sgt. Jason Roascio on his recent promotion! 🤩

Sgt Roascio was recently promoted to Sergeant of the Equipment and Technology Section. Sgt Roascio began his career with Patrol in 2018 where he was stationed in Troop G, which serves Hot Springs, Washakie, and Big Horn counties. Sgt Roascio transferred in 2021 to Troop C, which serves Sheridan and Johnson counties. Sgt Roascio is excited to begin this new chapter of his career and help better field operations. Congratulations again, Sgt Roascio!

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is pleased to announce the appointment of Major Karl Germain as the agency’s new Lieutenant Colonel. The Lieutenant Colonel serves as the Operations Commander for the entire agency and works closely with the WHP Administrator (Colonel) to provide direction, support, and accountability to WHP Members, as well as overseeing Field Operations and Support Services.

Lt. Colonel Germain has been with the Wyoming Highway Patrol since 2005, serving as a State Trooper in Troops J (Laramie) and A (Cheyenne). In 2014, Lt. Colonel Germain promoted to the rank of Lieutenant overseeing Troop G in the Big Horn Basin area of Wyoming. He promoted again in 2017 to the rank of Captain managing the Evidence, Equipment, Records, and Technology Section within the Headquarters Troop in Cheyenne. Another promotion for Lt. Colonel Germain was announced in 2021 as he took on the rank of Major as the agency Support Services Officer.

Lt. Colonel Germain has served as an agency K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, and Academy Instructor while being recognized numerous times throughout his career with the WHP to include Colonel’s Commendations and Rare Breed awards. Before joining the Patrol, Lt. Colonel Germain served in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Scout / Sniper and achieved the rank of Sergeant during his military service.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Germain as he begins his next chapter of leadership with the Wyoming Highway Patrol!

Class 107 has commenced! 😎

Class 107 Parts A and B began on August 4th. Part A consists of 10 civilian hires who will have a 20-week-long academy before they begin field training. Part B consists of 10 precertified officers who will have a 6-week long academy before they begin field training. The twenty future Troopers will be stationed all across the state from Cody to Cheyenne! They are excited and eager to get out there and serve their communities!

A great opportunity for healing and bringing the community together in the Natrona County Area! This is a free event for participants. There will also be seating available for those who want to show support.

Are you signed up for the 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Ford Wyoming Center?

This year's stair climb is on Sunday, September 8th at 10 am. Register today to ease the check-in process on the day of the event - https://forms.gle/dCP35tYND3FCPtg98

Share the event page with your friends and family to help us spread the word - https://www.facebook.com/share/gjN6mR4KaAH2HEXm/

Every year we get together with the Wyoming Highway Patrol for a meet and greet during the

This year it was our turn to meet on the Wyoming side.

We share the same mission in protecting our citizens and visitors and rely heavily on interagency collaboration to achieve our goal.

In reference to our recent posts about our canine dogs retiring. The most common question we received from our followers is if the dogs are able to stay with their handlers. The answer is yes. Thanks to Trooper Dellos for sharing pictures of Reno enjoying her retirement.

Join us for Industry Day. Currently being held from 9 to 2 at the LCCC Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium!

Are you a commercial carrier, driver, or just interested in the commercial carrier industry?

Please join us for the inaugural Wyoming Industry Day at Laramie County Community College, August 9th from 0900-1300.

Meet your Federal Partners, Regional State Partners, and Local Industry Members. Join us for information sharing and learn about concerns that impact the commercial carrier industry!

On Saturday morning a Trooper pulled over a Mazda SUV for several traffic violations on I-80 near milepost 89. Walking up to the vehicle the Trooper could smell ma*****na coming from the vehicle. The Trooper got all three occupants out of the vehicle and had them sit in the ditch next to the roadway. While the Trooper was conducting his investigation the backseat passenger fled on foot. With the assistance of nearby officers and deputies, the fleeing suspect was caught. After a search of the vehicle Troopers found 170 pounds of ma*****na. All three suspects were arrested and taken to jail. The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to thank the Green River Police Department and the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office for their assistance in this case.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) would like to announce and celebrate the recent retirement of K-9 Jager! K-9 Jager served faithfully for 8 years, beginning his career with the WHP in August 2016. K-9 Jager, a Belgian Malinois, was assigned to both Troops T (Sublette County) and D (Uinta County) during his career. K-9 Jager is a single-purpose drug detection canine that was purchased with 100% Federal HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) funds.
During his career, K-9 Jager completed 2,148 hours of training, was deployed 375 times, and was responsible for the seizure of:
- 3,376 pounds of ma*****na
- 3 1/2 pounds of co***ne
- 7 pounds of methamphetamine
- 15 grams of he**in
- 2,470 fentanyl pills
- 4 1/2 pounds of other types of drugs including illicitly possessed pharmaceuticals
- $458,738 of drug proceeds
- 21 fi****ms
He was assigned to Sgt. Brandon Deckert who remarked that K-9 Jager was responsible for significant criminal arrests and unquestionably made a positive impact in ensuring safer communities. K-9 Jager was a frequent visitor to local schools and at community events and was always sure to be the center of attention due to his love of being around anyone who would give him a pat or a scratch behind the ear.
The WHP is grateful for the dedicated service of K-9 Jager to the citizens and visitors of Wyoming, and wishes him the greatest retirement full of treats and belly rubs!

Are you a commercial carrier, driver, or just interested in the commercial carrier industry?

Please join us for the inaugural Wyoming Industry Day at Laramie County Community College, on August 9th from 0900-1300.

Meet your Federal Partners, Regional State Partners, and Local Industry Members. Join us for information sharing and learn about concerns that impact the commercial carrier industry!

👮‍♂️Congratulations to Trooper Tippy on his recent promotion to Sergeant of Troop J! 🎉

In a heartfelt ceremony, Trooper Tippy was honored with badge number 74, the same badge his father proudly wore as a Wyoming State Trooper. This special moment was made even more memorable as his father pinned the badge on him.

Here’s to continuing the legacy of service and dedication! 🚔✨