Two Casper police officers involved in a 2018 shootout that resulted in one of them being critically wounded will receive Congressional Badges of Bravery this weekend from U.S. Sen. John Barrasso.
Retired Officer Jacob Carlson, who survived being shot seven times in the incident, and Officer Randi Garrett will be given the awards during a ceremony Saturday at David Street Station in Casper.
The two are receiving the badges due to bravery they showed during an incident that occurred in May 2018.
At that time, Carlson served as as backup to Garrett, who was responding to a complaint about two small children being allowed to drive a car in a vacant lot.
Following Garrett’s initial contact, David Wolosin, the adult supervising the two children, (who were ages nine and five, at the time) was uncooperative.
When Carlson arrived, Wolosin acted erratically, made alarming statements and appeared to turn in an attempt to flee the area on foot, according to reports from the incident.
Carlson reached toward the man, who suddenly drew a concealed firearm and fired point blank at the officer, striking him multiple times. One of the shots to strike Carlson destroyed nearly 4 inches of an artery.
Carlson managed to return fire, temporarily stopping the suspect’s assault.
His actions gave Garrett the opportunity to reach cover and avoid the gunfire. Carlson was ultimately struck seven times during the encounter, but he continued firing upon the suspect while providing information to Garrett.
During the gunfire exchange, Carlson’s service weapon was struck, permanently disabling it. Although Carlson was losing significant amounts of blood, he worked to fix his gun.
Garrett managed to shoot the assailant, mortally wounding him. Carlson was taken to the Wyoming Medical Center and ultimately recovered from his injuries.
“The Congressional Badge of Bravery is not simply bestowed upon its recipients; it is earned at great hazard through exceptional bravery and professionalism in the face of extreme danger. Retired Police Officer Jacob Carlson and Officer Randi Garrett, by their actions, dedication, and bravery, earned the right to be counted among the select few law enforcement professionals that have been honored with this distinction,” said Casper Police Department Chief Keith McPheeters. “Their actions on that day reflect great credit upon themselves, our community, and the law enforcement profession.”
“Along with the rest of the hard-working men and women of the Casper Police Department, this City is fortunate to claim these two heroes as their own. I could not be more proud of these two officers and I am grateful to see them recognized for their selfless service to #ourcommunity,” McPheeters added
Congress passed a law in 2008 creating the badges to honor those in law enforcement who show exemplary bravery in the face of danger.