The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association (WHPA), a key organization supporting law enforcement officers across the state, is considering adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet.
The association’s leadership has expressed interest in utilizing Bitcoin as a long-term financial asset, with an eye toward enhancing the organization’s overall resilience and securing benefits for its members.
“We are excited to explore Bitcoin as a network and asset, to evaluate ways it can further support our organization and its members,” said Austin Bluemel, vice president of the WHPA.
This exploration began when a member proposed the idea, and within two weeks, the WHPA board voted to move forward with the initiative. On February 12, the association completed an initial, modest Bitcoin purchase and is now considering self-custody options to ensure greater control and security over the asset.
The WHPA has joined the Proof of Workforce initiative, a nonprofit organization designed to promote Bitcoin adoption among workers, unions, and pension funds. The group emphasizes the importance of financial stability for workers, especially those living paycheck to paycheck. The association’s move is part of a broader movement to encourage workers and organizations to “get off zero” by allocating at least a small portion of funds to Bitcoin investments.
Dom Bei, a California firefighter and founder of Proof of Workforce, believes that Bitcoin, like the unpredictable nature of emergency situations, offers workers a reliable and stable tool amidst an ever-evolving financial system.
“Bitcoin remains a reliable and stable long-term tool for workers and wage earners,” Bei said.
The announcement has been met with support from Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), a well-known proponent of Bitcoin and digital assets. Lummis, who recently became chair of the Senate subcommittee on digital assets, praised the WHPA’s decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is so cool.”
Lummis has long advocated for increasing access to financial tools like Bitcoin that help individuals protect the value of their work.
Lummis’s office has also expressed support for the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association’s involvement in the initiative, emphasizing Wyoming’s growing leadership in digital financial innovation. Lummis has also proposed legislation aimed at establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the US government, similar to the path being considered by states like Wyoming.
For the WHPA, the decision to hold Bitcoin is driven by more than just the potential for profit. The association plans to hold the investment for at least a year before reevaluating and considering future allocations. The strategy reflects a long-term vision, with Bluemel stating:
“This is not just about Bitcoin; it’s about financial resilience, forward-thinking leadership, and securing a stronger future for our members.”
Wyoming is increasingly seen as a state at the forefront of Bitcoin and digital asset integration. As the WHPA leads the charge, it may set a precedent for other state organizations and law enforcement agencies considering similar investments in the future. The decision to explore Bitcoin comes amid a broader movement where US states are considering legislation to create strategic Bitcoin reserves, with Utah recently joining the ranks.
With input from Decrypt, Sherwood, and Binance Square.
