(Fremont County, WY) – Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Ryan Lee has officially announced his retirement, as per a release issued today, January 16, 2026.
Sheriff Lee’s announcement, addressed to “The citizens of Fremont County, Wyoming,” is provided in full below.
I have decided after 31 years of public safety service which will include 26 years of service with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office that I will retire at the end of my current term and will not seek re-election.
It has been an honor to serve this county for three decades, a career that started at age 19. I thank you for the opportunity and the trust put forth to elect me to serve as your sheriff for the last 8 years.
I would also like to thank retired Sheriff Skip Hornecker for his support while working as his undersheriff for many years.
I thank the fine men and women of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office for their professional conduct, hard work, and support as I ran the agency for the last 16 as either their Sheriff or Undersheriff. It has been a true honor to serve and to lead a fantastic group of individuals who protect and save lives daily.
A sincere thank you to my Undersheriff, Mike Hutchison, who has been with me throughout my two terms.
I humbly ask that everyone please keep our law enforcement members, and first responders in your daily thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve this wonderful county.
It has truly been a pleasure to serve. Thank you, Fremont County.
Sheriff Ryan D. Lee