The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a uniquely Wyoming tradition on Christmas Eve: a cattle drive, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Deputies helped a local ranch move 400 head of cattle to greener pastures, ensuring safety for the herd and travelers on the road.
When the Red Baldy Ranch needed to move its black Angus cattle about four miles to winter pasture, the sheriff’s office stepped in to assist. Deputies provided traffic control along busy Campstool Road, allowing rancher Louis Ferguson to safely guide the herd to their destination.
“There’s nothing more Wyoming than helping your neighbors so they can be with their families on the holidays,” said Aaron Veldheer, chief deputy of the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
The journey took about three hours, with only an hour spent navigating roads. Ferguson noted that cattle set their own pace, often stopping to graze along the way.
The sheriff’s office frequently conducts high-visibility enforcement (HIVE) patrols to ensure safety on Wyoming’s roads. For this drive, deputies used patrol vehicles to lead and follow the herd, preventing potential accidents.
“We didn’t want anyone coming over a hill at 65 mph and hitting a bunch of cows,” Veldheer said. “For everybody’s safety, we were glad to help.”
Three deputies participated, and while none were on horseback, Veldheer said some colleagues expressed a desire to join in on their own horses next time.
This wasn’t the first time the sheriff’s office assisted with a cattle drive, and Veldheer emphasized their commitment to supporting the community in any way possible.
“Moving 400 head of cattle on Christmas Eve is just one of the many ways we help,” he said. “Whether it’s a cattle drive or driving by someone’s house with lights for a kid’s birthday, we’re always happy to pitch in.”
For rancher Ferguson, the assistance was invaluable, especially as Campstool Road has become busier.
“We’re just trying to keep the community safe,” he said.
The cattle drive reflected both the holiday spirit and Wyoming’s deep-rooted cowboy culture. While the timing was coincidental — the cattle needed fresh grazing, not a holiday celebration — the event highlighted the partnership between law enforcement and the community.
“It’s not a big deal for us,” Veldheer said. “We’re always happy to help, even on Christmas Eve.”
