(Lander, WY) – Recently sworn-in Lander Police Chief Kelly Waugh’s first official act as Chief was a somber affair at the Lander City Council meeting on Tuesday, where various LPD officers and staff, community members, and City officials gathered to recognize Police Officer III Ken Stigers and Sergeant Garrett Millington for their life-saving efforts during a January 25 incident.
Chief Waugh stated “how important it is to acknowledge our staff and appreciate our staff through the good times and the bad,” before explaining that Stigers and Millington responded to a call where an infant was in critical condition.
“The call for service (which came around 1 AM) was outside of the city limits. There was no deputy on duty, and they were notified that the closest ambulance was over 45 minutes away. These two gentlemen took the courage to go out into the county, respond to this call of this infant,” Chief Waugh recounted.
Upon arriving on scene, the officers “moved quickly, took action right away, (and) started CPR on the child, knowing that they were against time,” Chief Waugh continued.
“They took the child in their arms, into a police car, and continued CPR all the way to the Sage West Hospital in an attempt to save the baby’s life. We don’t always get the outcome that we want, but it doesn’t negate the fact of how fast and hard and quick these gentlemen worked, (and) how professional they were and the impact that it had on the family.”
“We were there first, and we moved quickly, and we did our part to do the best we could for their family,” Chief Waugh added before reading the following letter of gratitude, which was given to both officers.
“This letter is to formally commend you for your exceptional actions on 1/25/2026 while responding to a medical emergency involving an infant in cardiac and respiratory distress.
“Upon arrival, you immediately recognized the critical nature of the situation and without hesitation initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Your calm demeanor, sound judgment, and proficient application of lifesaving techniques were instrumental in a time of crisis for a young family. As we do not always achieve the desired outcome, it is important that you are recognized for your efforts and the impact it had on the family and the community.
“Your response reflects the highest standards of law enforcement service and demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and dedication well beyond normal expectations. In a moment of extreme stress, you relied on your training and experience to act decisively, embodying the core mission of this department to protect and serve the community and Fremont County.
“Your conduct on this incident brings great credit to yourself, this department, and the law enforcement profession as a whole. Please accept this letter as an expression of sincere appreciation and recognition for your outstanding performance. This commendation will be placed in your official personnel file. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and service.”