Kenna Tanner
Class of 1988
The now head of Sublette County’s Search and Rescue’s story started many years ago. As a junior at Big Piney High School, Kenna Tanner began her long-time career in the medical field. With the urging of the Big Piney coaching staff, Tanner attended a workshop focusing on athletic training. There she was introduced to the importance of caring for athletes both on and off of the field. She aided the Big Piney coaches in a variety of sports and the passion crew to pursue the field. Earning a scholarship at the University of Wyoming, Kenna continued as a student trainer for UW until earning her B.S. degree in Physical Education and Health with a minor in Athletic Training. As a result of her work for the UW Athletic Program, Kenna Tanner has been inducted into the University of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame as a trainer.
In 1994, Kenna gained employment as a teacher/coach in Big Piney. She credits Coach Tom Brown in educating her more about teaching than any classroom at UW. To this day, she lives each day with the “Puncher Pride” that Coach Brown instilled in all the students and staff at Big Piney Schools. Working with the students to develop their skills as well as instilling the characteristics needed in life is something which Tanner cherishes deeply.
Kenna’s work with search and rescue began as a volunteer for Big Piney’s Tip Top Search and Rescue team. She worked alongside her father, Dick, and enjoyed the office time immensely. After years of volunteering for the local EMS service, Tanner was hired as a full-time employee of Big Piney EMS. She continued the position until 2013 when the opportunity of a life time presented itself. At that time, Kenna Tanner was hired to oversee the search and rescue operations for Sublette County Sheriff’s Office. This position allowed her to continue in the medical profession as well as offer her daily work in search and rescue operations. She credits those she works with and for in making Sublette County’s Search and Rescue one of the finest backcountry rescue organizations.
Kenna feels very honored to be recognized by the two schools that mean so much to her and expresses her appreciation to both.