GRPD officers receive Medal of Valor

Three members of the Green River Police Department were recently given the Medal of Valor for their actions in response to a suspect who exchanged fire with them in the summer of 2021.

This award was given after the recent sentencing of the suspect.

Officers awarded for valor

Sergeant Jesse Nielson, Officer Kevin Lennon and Officer Zachary Owens of the GRPD were recognized during the May 16 Green River City Council meeting and presented with the Medal of Valor.

"In July of 2021, these three officers were involved in an incident that simply doesn't happen very often in Green River," GRPD's Interim Chief of Police Shaun Sturlaugson explained at the meeting. "What began as a very scary assault on two of our younger citizens ended that night when these officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect from that incident. Their actions that night brought that incident to a safe conclusion for the city and for its citizens, and we're here to award them for their actions."

The Medal of Valor certificates given to the officers describe the incident in more detail.

On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, GRPD officers received a report of an aggravated assault in which the suspect brandished a weapon and threatened to shoot two juveniles. Sergeant Nielson located the suspect's vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Officers Lennon and Owens responded to Nielson's location as back-up. Due to the severity and nature of the report, verbal commands were issued to the suspect from the officers' patrol vehicles, but the suspected refused to exit the vehicle or comply with commands. Due to the suspect's behavior, officers on scene relocated for better cover. Within seconds of the officers moving, the suspect exited his vehicle with a rifle and began firing in the direction of the officer's prior location. Officer Lennon, Officer Owens, and Sergeant Nielson all returned fire, and the suspect re-entered his vehicle. The suspect was wounded during the fight, which ended his actions, and he was taken into custody. 

"The actions of Officer Lennon, Officer Owens, and Sergeant Nielson and the leadership of Sergeant Nielsen that night saved their own lives and the lives of the other officers on scene," Sturlaugson read from the certificates. "They also potentially saved the lives of other innocent civilians driving by and walking in the area. Their actions exemplify the seriousness with which they approach their jobs as police officers, and the commitment they have made to protecting the City of Green River, as well as the citizens who reside there."

"The character and courage of these officers that night saved who knows how many lives," Sturlaugson added. "For their courage, it's my great honor to present them with the Medal of Valor."

The Medal of Valor certificates given to the officers were originally signed by Former Police Chief Tom Jarvie and dated March 24, 2022. Sturlaugson noted it took longer to officially present the awards because of the nature of the case and the need to wait until it was concluded in court. He said the wait was frustrating, but the timing ended up working out well.

"I think it's very fitting that we're able to give them their awards during National Police Week," Sturlaugson said. "It's very coincidental but it's pretty neat at the same time."

Suspect sentenced

Matthew Riley Culley, the suspect involved in the shootout with GRPD officers in July 2021, was recently sentenced to time in prison.

Culley pleaded no contest to four counts of aggravated assault and battery during an argued sentencing hearing before Judge Suzannah Robinson in District Court April 17 and 18. The defendant's pleas of no contest were accepted by the court and he was "adjudged guilty of the crimes" of all four counts according to court documents.

After originally pleading not guilty and not guilty by mental illness during his arraignment May 18, 2022, Culley changed his pleas to no contest in Feb. 2023 after a plea agreement.

Original charges of alleged attempted murder in the second degree, felonious restraint, and property destruction and defacement were dismissed.

Culley was sentenced to seven to 10 years in prison on the first three counts of aggravated assault to be served consecutively, and seven to 10 years on the fourth count to be served concurrently. He faces a maximum time of up to 30 years in prison. He will receive time off his sentence for the 642 days he served in in pre-sentence confinement.

Culley was also ordered to pay $800 to the Wyoming Crime Victim's Compensation Fund and to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000 to the City of Green River, as well as to reimburse the State of Wyoming $75 for the substance abuse assessment (ASI/ASAM). He also has to pay $50 in court and legal fees.