Welcome to our series, #WHYoming, brought to you in partnership by Kaumo Law.
We are highlighting people from around our communities and asking them a few questions. We want to learn a little about them and see why they chose this great state to raise their families, start their businesses, or simply to ask — Why Wyoming?
This week, I had a chance to sit down with Randy Hanson. He’s the Rock Springs Community Service Officer and Coordinator for the Sweetwater Citizen’s Crime Stoppers program.
I’m a civilian now, and drive a desk rather than a car.”
Advertisement - Story continues below...– Randy Hanson
Randy joined the Rock Springs Police Department in 1991. He spent 20 years as a sworn officer. This year is his 27th year on the force. As the Community Service Officer, he stays busy in retirement.
When he’s not busy with the Crime Stoppers program, he is spending time with people in the community. Randy has been visiting the Young at Heart Senior Center once a week for lunch for 15 years now. They know him well there and greet him with smiles.
I love listening to the old stories. If you get them talking about the old times, you learn a lot about the history of Rock Springs and the area. It’s kind of fun hearing it straight from the people that were born and raised here.”
– Randy hanson
Crime Stoppers
One goal of Crime Stoppers is to help law enforcement communicate with the community concerning crimes here locally that might otherwise go unsolved.
It is comprised of a board of wonderful local business people and concerned citizens who work with law enforcement and social media to alert the community of unsolved crimes.
Crime Stoppers believe that usually someone other than the criminal has information that can help solve a crime, be it drugs, warrants, missing persons, almost anything.
Crime Stoppers offers a safe and ANONYMOUS way to report this information, and can even offer rewards for the arrest and conviction of the person who committed it. Since it’s inception in 2011 there have been many successes.
To learn more about Sweetwater Citizens Crime Stoppers please check out our website at sweetwatertips.com.
This community series is brought to you by:
Randy, how did you end up in Rock Springs?
I am originally from Minneapolis Minnesota, and years ago I used to run restaurants and bars. I was not working when I received a call from Daryl Fellbaum (owner of Bombers and Marty’s) who had heard of me and asked if I would come and work at his Country Kitchen here in RS.
I agreed and have called Rock Springs home ever since.
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What do you appreciate most about our community?
I like the people, people in RS seem to be some of the nicest anywhere. They are always willing to lend a hand, or just to say “HI”.
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If you could give one brief piece of advice, what would it be?
Live Life…. Always have fun in whatever you do. .”
~ Randy Hanson
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Where is your favorite place to hang out in Sweetwater County?
I love to go boating in the summer. Hanging out at the Gorge is always a fun and relaxing day.
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Would you rather walk, ride a bike, take a horse or drive a car?
I am not a lot into exercise anymore, so I guess I’d drive a car.
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What would you sing at karaoke night?
I am not sure what I would sing, But I’m sure it would be off-key and terrible!!
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How would your friends describe you?
I try to be a good winner and loser, but I got to admit that winning is more fun.
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What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family. I have a great wife, also wonderful kids and grand-kids who I am very proud of.
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Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
In my mind it would be Bradley Cooper, but in reality it would probably be more like Chris Farley.
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Why do you continue to live in Wyoming?
I Love Wyoming. The Beauty is here everyday. I like that we are close enough to the big city (SLC) that we can enjoy their benefits, but still have the small town atmosphere.
You can be as busy as you want to be here, and you can’t go anywhere without bumping in to someone you know.
The Weather, the sun shines everyday, and it is usually not too hot, not too cold, but always windy. (Keep Nebraska beautiful, don’t litter in Wyoming!)
And of course The History. Sweetwater County has so much history. It is fun and interesting to learn about this area.
Keep Nebraska beautiful, don’t litter in Wyoming!”
~ Randy Hanson
If you’d like us to interview yourself or someone you know for #WHYoming, please send us suggestions to Lillian@sweetwaternow.com