Rawlins honors Wyoming Frontier Prison volunteers and longtime city employees

At its Dec. 16 meeting the Rawlins City Council and the volunteer committee presented the Community Builder Award to volunteers who support the Wyoming Frontier Prison and recognized a slate of city employees for longevity and service.

A volunteer committee representative described the Friends of the Old Pen — a nonprofit established in 1991 that supports preservation and programming at the Wyoming Frontier Prison — and credited volunteers for maintaining the site’s 49.5 acres and 13 historic buildings. "This community builder award truly belongs to our volunteers whose generosity and dedication and love for this site make everything we do possible," the representative said, noting the group's role in events such as Halloween activities and ongoing maintenance.

The council and interim City Manager Matt Hall presented milestone awards to employees with 5, 10, 20, 25 and 45 years of service. Longtime employees named in the record included Brian Market (5 years), Myra Miller (5 years), Michael Sanchez (10 years), Annette Waller (10 years, not present), Thomas Gamblin (20 years), Richard Hooper (25 years) and Andrew Rodriguez (45 years). Joey Langenderver was named employee of the year; the council read a nomination citing more than 20 years of service in the water/treatment operation and mentorship of newer staff.

The city also recognized Patrol Sergeant Christopher Craig as supervisor of the year for his leadership and coordination of the canine program, and presented the Max Dutton award to Beverly Hammond.

The council thanked volunteers and staff for their contributions; a group photo was planned and the meeting moved on to routine business.