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WHP commissions Academy Class 104

Eight new Troopers joining the ranks

By Jordan Achs

Eight Highway Patrol cadets graduated the Highway Patrol Academy Class 104 and received their badges during a ceremony May 26 at the Wyoming Supreme Court in Cheyenne.

Members of the commissioned class include Evan Deneke and Logan Sainsbury, who will both be stationed at Elk Mountain; Thomas Gamblin II, stationed in Thermopolis; Timothy Howell, assigned to Rawlins; Kraig McInally, stationed in Cody; Crosby Ralston, assigned to Lovell; and Valerie Patmore and Kyle O’Malley, who will both be stationed in Casper.

To get to graduation, the cadets underwent a training academy together. Some underwent the typical academy for brand new recruits, while others were part of a new WHP academy specifically designed for those who already have law enforcement certifications but are wanting to become Troopers.

“I have no doubts given the excellence of this class that you will prove to be Troopers of the highest caliber,” WHP Colonel Tim Cameron said during the ceremony. “Remember, we are the guardians of the Cowboy State; we are the standard.”

The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the

WHP Honor Guard, an invocation from WHP Chaplain John Byerly, remarks from Cameron and Safety and Training Manager Capt. David Wagener, and remarks from Chief Justice Kate Fox and Justice Lynne Boomgaarden of the Wyoming Supreme Court.

“Thank you for stepping up to fill this critical role in our justice system,” Boomgaarden said during her speech. “What a proud, 90-year tradition the Patrol has had, thank you for continuing to share that history with the public.”

When it came time for the oath, every trooper in the room raised their hand and recited along with the eight graduating cadets, signifying the everlasting and special commitment every Trooper makes.

The pinning of the badges was done by family members in a nod to their role in the cadets’ journey to becoming a Trooper.

These newest Troopers will continue their training in the field with other officers in their jurisdictions. During his remarks, Wagener told the Troopers that their learning would never stop as they continued to train and grow in their profession.

“Of the 89 applications for this class, you eight are the exceptional few who made it through,” Wagener said. “I hope you take pride in that, because I do.”

Trooper Evan Deneke is assigned to the Elk Mountain area division. Deneke lived in Kansas prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.

Deneke is looking forward to serving the motoring public that use the highways of the state of Wyoming. He is also excited to work and live with his family in the beautiful state of Wyoming.

Trooper Thomas Gamblin II is assigned to District 5, Troop G – Thermopolis. Gamblin was born in California before his family moved to the great state of Wyoming when he was young. He enjoys fishing, hunting, mountain biking and anything outdoors.

Gamblin is a pre-certified law enforcement officer having begun his career with the city of Rawlins where he grew up. He looks forward to continuing his law enforcement career as a “Guardian of the Cowboy State,” while interacting with the community and assisting the citizens of the state of Wyoming.

Trooper Timothy Howell is assigned to the Rawlins area troop. He grew up in Rawlins, Wyoming.

He loves to do anything outdoors, working out and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and little girl. He is looking forward to future endeavors and friendship.

Howell is excited to help the citizens of Wyoming.

Trooper Kraig McInally is assigned to Troop N in the Cody area. He was a Rapid City, South Dakota police officer prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

McInally is also a U.S. Army veteran, having served as an infantry paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoys hunting, fly fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. He is looking forward to interacting with the community.

Kyle P. O’Malley

Trooper Kyle O’Malley is assigned to the Casper area Troop. He grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2022 with a degree in criminology. He moved to Wyoming for the Highway Patrol and looks forward to serving the citizens of this state. While on his time off, he enjoys hunting, fly fishing and exploring new parts of beautiful Wyoming.

Trooper Valerie Patmore is assigned to the Casper area Troop. She has lived in Wyoming for more than two years.

Patmore enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and spending time outdoors. She is looking forward to interacting with the community as well as the rest of the “Guardians of the Cowboy State.”

This agency offers an abundance of opportunities, all of which she is excited to participate in.

Trooper Crosby Ralston is assigned to Lovell in District 5. He is originally from Southern California but has spent the last few years in Boise, Idaho, after having served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ralston loves spending time with his family, working out and going to the mountains. He enjoys serving his community where he can educate and help the citizens in the great state of Wyoming.

He is very excited to be working for this agency as he starts his law enforcement career.

Logan

Trooper Logan Sainsbury is assigned to the Elk Mountain Area Troop.

He grew up in Colorado and is excited to explore Wyoming. He loves cars, being outdoors and hunting. He is looking forward to helping better Wyoming, and creating new friendships.

Sainsbury is excited for all the amazing opportunities Wyoming has to offer.