CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Praising their rapid response to areas in the city ofLaramie and Albany County that were damaged by violent thunderstorms yesterday, Gov. Dave Freudenthal thanked emergency responders today.
“I appreciate the efforts of all the emergency responders and volunteer organizations in Laramie and Albany County who provided appropriate warnings and emergency services during and after the storm,” the Governor said. “They should be applauded for their work yesterday, and for their assistance in the ongoing recovery
efforts.”

The Governor said he particularly thanks Emergency Manager and Albany County Fire Chief Randy Vickers and Albany County Sheriff Jim Pond and their staff for their quick response and work throughout the night to
ensure the safety of citizens. He also recognized the work of the Laramie Police Department, Emergency Medical Service personnel, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming National Guard and the Wyoming
Office of Homeland Security.

“All of these agencies worked together to minimize property damage and to prevent injury and loss of life,” he said.

Yesterday Freudenthal authorized the mobilization of Wyoming National Guard troops and equipment from the 133rd Engineer Company in Laramie to assist in clean-up and recovery efforts. He will continue to monitor the situation closely, as well as potential trouble spots elsewhere in the state that may have problems with weather and flooding, and will authorize additional state resources as needed. The Governor has been informed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct an assessment of the situation in Laramie as well.

At this time the Governor does not intend to visit Laramie to personally inspect the damage.

“I have full confidence in the people working on the ground there. If I show up, they will feel obligated to stop what they are doing to show me around, and that doesn’t seem to me to be the best utilization of
their time right now,” he said.