SPD Captain thanks community for support and requests a moment of reflection and remembrance for fallen peace officers

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

The week offers law enforcement and the public a time to honor, remember, and support our local police department while allowing officers, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Captain of the Sheridan Police Department, Tom Ringley, took the opportunity to thank the Sheridan community for their support through the years. 

Capt. T. Ringley 

Ringley said the week of remembrance is not just about the SPD, but remembering the fallen peace officers of every arm of law enforcement. 

When asked how the community could help officers in making such a difficult job easier, Ringley asked the public to observe and follow Wyoming State Statute 31-5-224. 

That statute reads, in part: 

When an authorized emergency vehicle making use of any visual signals provided for in W.S. 31-5-928(d) is parked, the driver of every other vehicle, as soon as it is safe:

1.  When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two (2) or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, shall merge into the lane farthest from the emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a police officer;

2.  When driving on a two (2) lane road, shall slow to a speed that is twenty (20) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

Not only officers, but many other emergency and first responders lose their lives every year by being struck by vehicles while performing their duties. 

Ringley also asks the public to follow the directions from officers.  

Should anyone in the public feel they have been treated unfairly or illegally, Ringley invites the public to contact himself or the officer’s shift supervisor. The Captain reminds the public that shift supervisors are not required to respond to a scene, but may if available.