Wyoming Military Department organizes the emergency response

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - As the sword and shield of Wyoming, the military is known for being ever-ready when an emergency strikes.

But who organizes the response?

As part of the Wyoming Military Department, the Wyoming Joint Operations Center plays a major role in an emergency.

”You never know what that phone call is going to be or if it’s a search and rescue, or wildfire, something within the military department...some civilians need help,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Bonfield, Battle Captain for the Wyoming Military Department.

According to Lt. Col. Jonathan Seelye, Battle Joint Director of Military Support, they help organize different military departments, homeland security, and civilians into one operating picture.

Seely says, the focus is to save lives while serving communities during floods, wildfires and search and rescue events.

”To be able to provide that immediate emergency support to Wyoming communities and show that we’re responsive to the citizens of our state,” said Seelye.

With black hawks and civil air patrol aircrafts, Seelye says they’ve helped in 15 search and rescue calls this year, and they have been on standby for two recent medi-vac responses for the Sugar Loaf and Gem Lake fires.

“Some missions are small, they can be three individuals or we have much larger ones that’s 20 plus individuals,” said Bonfield.

Using each member’s individual strengths to make the team work better.

These service members say they are here to help communities and Wyomingites when they need it most.

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