Citation of Courage and Valor 

These individuals displayed exceptional bravery, skill, and fortitude, going above and beyond the call of duty. Their actions were marked by unwavering courage in the face of great personal danger.

There is no greater service than risking one’s life to save another, or selflessly putting aside one’s own well-being to provide aid in a moment of critical need. This honor is a testament to their dedication and sacrifice in service to their fellow man.

DR. DOUG MCLEAN - 1965

Capt. Douglas McLean, in answering an emergency call with the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department, found a boy, a victim of injuries received in an automobile accident, unconscious, without pulse, his breathing stopped, and apparently dead. Though his skill, Capt. McLean administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and applied other first aid techniques to revive the boy at the scene. His prompt action saved the boy's life and led to his subsequent recovery.

LARRY DAVID & BILL LACEY - 1968

A fire broke out on a workover rig southeast of Riverton, rapidly engulfing the truck and wellhead in flames. When Firemen Larry David and Bill Lacey arrived on the scene in Rescue Unit #1, the blaze had already forced other crew members to retreat.

Through the thick smoke and intense heat, David and Lacey spotted a man lying near the well floor. Despite the overwhelming danger, they knew there might still be a chance to save him.

With only a small 20-pound extinguisher, Lacey worked to push back the flames just enough to create a narrow window of opportunity. Without hesitation, David rushed into the fire zone and pulled the man’s body out from the flames.

Driven by the belief that even the faintest hope of saving a life is worth any risk, Firemen David and Lacey put their own lives on the line. Their courage and selflessness serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the service of others.

LARRY L. LEE - 1968

In a dramatic rescue on the Big Wind River, Fireman Lee demonstrated quick thinking and remarkable bravery while saving a fellow firefighter from being swept away by a violent current.

The incident occurred on the same day the body of a drowned boy was recovered. Three Riverton Fire Department boats were anchored in the open channel during the operation when one smaller boat was caught in a swift current. The boat was quickly pulled toward a downed log and capsized upon impact, throwing its occupant into the icy, turbulent water.

Seeing the danger unfold, Lee sprinted across a sandbar and anchored himself against a log, standing in water up to his armpits. As the current surged around him, he managed to grab hold of the struggling firefighter and pull him to safety, just moments before the overturned boat reappeared 60 feet downstream.

Despite the frigid water that could easily sap a man’s strength and breath, Lee’s determination and physical resolve prevailed. His courageous actions ensured the survival of a fellow fireman and served as a powerful example of the bravery and brotherhood within the department.

MELVIN FAUSSET - 1972

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on May 19, 1971, Fireman Fausset was working at his place of business when a neighbor rushed in, carrying her infant who had suddenly stopped breathing—apparently due to an obstruction in the child’s throat.

Without hesitation, Fireman Fausset took control of the situation and immediately began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. His swift and skillful response dislodged the blockage and restored the baby’s breathing.

Thanks to his quick thinking, training, and composure under pressure, Fireman Fausset was directly responsible for the full recovery of the infant. His actions exemplify the lifesaving impact of preparedness, courage, and calm leadership in moments of crisis.

JIM JUVE - 1974

On January 6, 1974, at 6:55 p.m., Fireman and E.M.T. Jim Juve responded to a rescue alarm aboard Engine Company 6 following a serious automobile accident approximately five miles north of Riverton.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a victim inside an overturned vehicle who was not breathing and presumed dead. After extricating the victim from the wreckage, Fireman Juve immediately began emergency medical intervention. Drawing on his training and experience, he established an airway and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.).

Through his persistence and skill, the victim’s breathing was successfully restored at the scene. The patient was later admitted to Riverton Memorial Hospital, breathing on his own.

According to medical authorities, the life-saving actions of Fireman Juve were directly responsible for the victim’s survival, and that individual remains alive to this day. His swift and decisive response exemplifies the critical role first responders play in saving lives under pressure.

KIM LEE & BRAD MCLEAN - 1976

In the early morning hours of November 27, 1976, at 6:13 a.m., the Riverton Fire Department responded to a house fire at 902 East Park Avenue. Upon arrival, police officers on the scene informed firefighters that the home's occupant was still inside.

Without hesitation or regard for their own safety, Firemen Brad McLean and Kim Lee entered the smoke-filled structure to begin a room-by-room search. Battling heavy smoke and dangerous conditions, they located the victim unconscious in the doorway of a bedroom.

The firefighters quickly carried her outside, where Fireman Lee began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.), hoping to revive her. Despite their heroic efforts, the victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital after being transported by the Fremont County Ambulance.

Though the rescue attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, the courage and determination shown by Firemen McLean and Lee in risking their lives to try and save another is a powerful testament to the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the Riverton Fire Department.

Dennis Hutchins – 1981

Write-up Coming Soon

Matt Lee - 2010

On the evening of January 26, 2010, at 9:05 p.m., while assisting with an investigation at the site of a prior structure fire, Fire Chief Matt Lee was alerted to an emergency: a single-vehicle accident with reported entrapment and fire at the intersection of Major’s Avenue and Cooper Road.

Chief Lee immediately responded to the scene and directed a nearby tanker crew—also assisting with the investigation—to join him. Upon arrival, he discovered a passenger vehicle engulfed in flames after having collided with a large tree. Two adult males were trapped inside the burning car.

Without hesitation, Chief Lee approached the vehicle and forced open the passenger door, where he found an unconscious man weighing over 350 pounds, slumped over toward the driver's side. As two citizens arrived and attempted to suppress the growing fire with a small extinguisher, Chief Lee took action. Despite the intense heat and difficulty, he pulled the passenger from the vehicle and, with the help of a bystander, dragged the man 25 feet to safety.

Seeing that the fire was spreading rapidly into the passenger compartment, Chief Lee then ran to the driver’s side. Forcing the door open, he found the unconscious driver with his arms entangled in the steering wheel. As flames erupted from the dashboard and smoke filled the interior, Chief Lee freed the driver and dragged him to safety, where he immediately began administering CPR to the passenger.

When emergency medical personnel arrived, both victims were transported to the hospital. The driver survived after receiving extensive treatment. Sadly, the passenger later succumbed to the severe injuries sustained in the crash.

Chief Matt Lee’s quick, decisive, and selfless actions under extreme pressure directly saved a life and exemplify the highest standards of bravery and leadership in emergency service.