Richard Kaumo

Rich Kaumo is a veteran law enforcement leader whose career spans nearly two decades of service, dedication, and continuous professional growth in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. A native of Rock Springs, Kaumo has built his life and career in the same community where he was raised, shaping a leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service. Today, he serves as a Lieutenant with the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, where he plays a vital role in managing operational functions and improving public safety for the county’s residents.

Kaumo’s law enforcement journey began more than 19 years ago when he joined the Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy. His strong work ethic, adaptability, and professionalism quickly set him apart, leading to his promotion to detention sergeant. From there, he transitioned to patrol, beginning a path marked by increasingly complex responsibilities and advanced specialization. Throughout his career, he has served in a diverse array of roles, including patrol deputy, school resource officer, DARE instructor, detective, narcotics detective, patrol sergeant, and SWAT team member and team leader. These assignments have given him a comprehensive understanding of community policing, investigations, crisis response, tactical operations, and leadership under pressure.

In his current role as Lieutenant, Kaumo also serves as the commander of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. In this capacity, he directs and coordinates missions across rugged and often unforgiving Wyoming landscapes, balancing strategic decision-making with the ability to respond rapidly in life-threatening situations. His leadership ensures that teams are well-prepared, well-trained, and capable of operating safely during complex rescue operations, severe weather events, or emergencies requiring specialized response.

Professional development has always been a priority for Kaumo, and his dedication to continuous learning is reflected in his extensive training record. With more than 3,500 hours of Wyoming POST training, he has built expertise across numerous critical areas, from advanced investigations and crisis intervention to tactical instruction and leadership. His commitment to education led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Education from Black Hills State University, a background that has proven invaluable in both his command of search and rescue operations and his broader approach to leadership. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree, further strengthening his academic foundation and strategic capabilities as a public safety leader.

In addition to his operational roles, Kaumo has contributed significantly as an instructor. Over three years, he taught a component of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training focused on law enforcement interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. His instruction is shaped not only by his professional experience but also by deeply personal insight. As the father of an autistic teenage son, Kaumo has developed a passion for understanding autism from both a parenting and law enforcement perspective. This dual lens has made him an advocate for improving officer training, communication awareness, and compassionate response practices when interacting with individuals with developmental differences.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Kaumo is a dedicated husband and father in a blended family. He values the time he spends with his loved ones and remains actively involved in supporting his children’s growth, education, and interests. The outdoors continue to be an important part of his life, reflecting both his upbringing in Wyoming and his academic background. Whether exploring nature, engaging in outdoor activities, or enjoying sports like football and wrestling, he finds balance and fulfillment in the pursuits that connect him to family, community, and place.

Throughout his career, Rich Kaumo has earned a reputation as a steady, compassionate, and capable leader, and one who leads by example, invests in the growth of his team, and continually strives to improve the services provided to his community. His combination of tactical experience, instructional skill, academic commitment, and personal insight shapes a leadership style that is both mission-focused and people-centered. As he continues to advance professionally and academically, Kaumo remains dedicated to serving Sweetwater County with the same integrity and dedication that have defined his life’s work.