Two Cheyenne police officers were recognized Thursday for their efforts in capturing a Casper couple who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase and shootout through the capital city last year.

Chief Brian Kozak presented Officer Mark Ehlman with the Medal of Valor and Officer Geff Mims with the Meritorious Service Award during the department's annual awards ceremony.

The awards read as follows:

On May 3, 2019, Officers from the Cheyenne Police Department were requested to assist with a pursuit the Wyoming Highway Patrol had started and entered into the city limits. While officers were heading towards the pursuit, information was given that shots had been fired from the suspect vehicle. Officer Ehlman was getting ready to end his shift when he heard the radio traffic and responded to the downtown area where the pursuit was headed. He attempted to deploy the Stinger spike strip system in front of the suspect vehicle; however, was unsuccessful. Officer Ehlman later joined the pursuit and ended up being the lead vehicle. During this time, the suspect continued to fire rounds at officers. One round struck Officer Ehlman’s vehicle in the front passenger door. While being fired at, Officer Ehlman displayed extraordinary heroism. In the face of imminent serious injury, Officer Ehlman took the initiative and ended the threat to officers, the public and himself. He showed courage in an extremely dangerous situation. Officer Mims had also joined the pursuit and the suspect fired multiple rounds at him. Officer Mims stayed with the pursuit and did not allow the threat of imminent risk of serious injury or death for being shot deter him. Officer Mims, while being fired at, showed extraordinary heroism in the face of imminent serious injury. Officer Mims showed courage in the extremely dangerous situation. Officer Ehlman’s and Officers Mims’ actions on May 3, 2019, demonstrated the courage and heroism the Cheyenne Police Department has in the service to the safety of the community we serve.

The driver of the suspect vehicle, Dominique Childers, and his passenger, Chasity Jacobs, were sentenced last week to 50-70 years and 25-35 years, respectively.

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