That’s a first: A highway patrol association starts investing in bitcoin
“The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association is not just keeping up with the times — we’re leading the way.”
From crypto being dubbed the “Wild West” to the actual Wild West adopting crypto, the industry has come a long way. In a somewhat surprising move, the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association is adding bitcoin to its holdings.
“The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association has officially invested in bitcoin — making us one of the first, if not the first, law enforcement associations in the nation to do so,” Matt Arnell, WHPA president, and Austin Bluemel, vice president, told Sherwood News.
Bluemel explained that this initiative began when a member brought the idea forward.
“Within just two weeks, our board of representatives and elected leaders voted to move forward, recognizing the potential of bitcoin as a long-term asset for the association,” he said. “As of February 12, we have completed our initial modest purchase and are currently exploring self-custody options to ensure maximum security and control over our investment.”
Bluemel said that the association’s strategy is clear: holding the investment for a minimum of one year before reassessing their position and considering future allocations.
“This is not just about bitcoin; it’s about financial resilience, forward-thinking leadership, and securing a stronger future for our members,” he said.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, recently named chair of the Senate panel on digital assets, chimed in, calling the announcement “so cool.”
This is so cool. The goal with this stuff is to help Americans access tools to realize and protect the full value of their effort, their blood, their sweat and their tears.
— Cynthia Lummis 🦬 (@CynthiaMLummis) February 12, 2025
Love to see Wyoming citizens who protect us, protected by Bitcoin. That’s freedom-focused innovation. https://t.co/Yb33Ne4NDp
Bluemel added that they are proud to have Lummis’ support.
“Her office stands behind this initiative, reinforcing Wyoming’s role as a leader in financial and technological innovation,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We believe this investment will yield long-term benefits and set a precedent for other organizations looking to embrace the future.”
The nonprofit Proof of Workforce aims to “empower unions, workers, and organizations to discover ways in which bitcoin can enhance their mission and well-being.” Its so-called “get off zero” initiative encourages unions to allocate even a small portion of their funds to bitcoin.
Yaël Bizouati-Kennedy is a financial journalist who’s written for Dow Jones, The Financial Times Group, and Business Insider.
