JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Nov. 18, Town Council commended Jackson Police Department (JPD) officers who have shown bravery and tenacity in the line of duty.
Chief of Police Michelle Weber told the Council that the JPD revised its guidelines in September to recognize the extraordinary service of its police officers. Weber said that the newly instated “Letter of Commendation” can recognize devotion of duty, dedication and exemplary conduct of a police officer during a field operation or criminal investigation.
“I rarely get the opportunity to recognize my officers in public, so I’m definitely going to take that opportunity tonight to do so,” Weber told the Council.
JPD officers Justin Lancaster, Alex Ayling, Jason Figueroa, Kevin Jones, Phillip Smith, Roy Mann and Tony Matthews stood before the Town Council to receive their Letters of Commendation.
Weber awarded the Medal of Merit to JPD police officer Wyatt Swicegood for his outstanding performance while apprehending a stabbing suspect in Jackson on Jan. 20, 2020. Councilor Arne Jorgensen read the police report that detailed the stressful event.
According to the report, the homicide suspect held his right hand in way that suggested he was concealing a weapon. Officer Swicegood began to back away from the location, giving loud verbal commands, while aiming his pistol at the man. After the suspect refused to stop approaching Swicegood, a Teton County Sheriff’s Office deputy announced deployment of his shotgun, which he repeatedly fired. Two shots stuck the suspect in the leg, causing him to stumble.
Jorgensen shared with the Council that a countless number of youtube videos show similar scenarios of an officer shooting and killing a person. Jorgensen said that Officer Swicegood showed tremendous courage and resilience during the event.
“During this intense and rapidly evolving situation, Officer Swicegood had the presence of mind to create a distance, allowing the time for a less lethal shotgun to be deployed effectively,” Jorgensen said. “Officer Swicegood showed restraint as the man moved quickly toward him. It takes more bravery to show restraint than it does to use force. Because of Officer Swicegood’s courage, self-control and resilience, no further force was needed, and no lives were lost.”
Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson congratulated all the officers and thanked them for their service.
