(Cheyenne, WY) – Cowboy Skill, powered by Pace-O-Matic, the nation’s leading skill game developer, hosted hometown heroes Ronnie Disbrow and Lonnie Porter during Cheyenne Frontier Days. The men were honored during a moment of celebration at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo on Wednesday, July 24, as thousands of spectators cheered from the crowd.
In May 2024, Wyoming State Park Ranger, Lonnie Porter, was on patrol at Sinks Canyon State Park, when he was notified by a park visitor that a child had fallen into the Popo Agie River. The 11-year-old boy had been swept away in the rapids and was desperately clinging to a rock in the middle of the river. Porter quickly found the boy and called for EMS and water rescue assistance. However, dangerous water levels and low temperatures meant time was of the essence. With the help of State Parks employee, Ronnie Disbrow, the men quickly jumped into action pulling the boy to safety and saving him from drowning.
When asked how it feels to be recognized at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Lonnie Porter said, “I’m excited to be here at Cheyenne Frontier Days and to be a part of this tradition. As a Park Ranger, I know firsthand that while the beauty of our Wyoming State Parks is unmatched, they can also be dangerous. It feels great to be recognized, but more than anything, I’m just glad Ronnie and I were there that day to help.”
This is the fourth consecutive year that Cowboy Skill has hosted the hometown heroes, providing lodging, dinner, tickets to the rodeo and concerts, as well as seating in the Cowboy Skill sponsor boxes. Cowboy Skill shares Cheyenne Frontier Days’ enthusiasm for honoring those who demonstrate extraordinary bravery, generosity, and sacrifice while serving our communities.
“These two brave men have more than earned the title of hero and we are honored to host them during their time here at Cheyenne Frontier Days,” said Paul Goldean, president and CEO of Pace-O-Matic. “Each year that we host the outstanding hometown heroes, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the human spirit and how it brings us together.”
Editor’s Note: The initial press release stated the rescue happened in 2023 when, in fact, it happened in 2024.