Fred Emerich, born and raised in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area, has led a distinguished career and life deeply rooted in his early experiences on the family ranch, his educational pursuits, and his unwavering commitment to his community and profession. His journey began with foundational years spent engaged in 4-H and FFA during high school, laying the groundwork for a life dedicated to agriculture, veterinary science, public service, and particularly Cheyenne Frontier Days™.
After graduating from East High School in 1963, Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Wyoming in 1968, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1973. After receiving his DVM, Fred began his career in Cheyenne in 1974 at Yellowstone Animal Hospital, where he worked until 2000, dedicating 26 years to veterinary practice.
Fred’s commitment to his community and profession, however, extended well beyond his practice. In 1974, Fred joined the Contract Acts Committee, taking a pioneering role in organizing area veterinarians to ensure the presence of professional veterinary care in the arena at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ during slack, the main show, and at night shows. His tenure as an arena veterinarian spanned over 35 years, during which he provided critical care for the chuckwagon teams, flat racing events, and all the other competitive event animals for CFD. His responsibilities also included overseeing the integrity of the show through the management of urine and blood samples for flat track racing.
Beyond his veterinary responsibilities, Fred made other significant contributions to the rodeo and CFD community through various roles. He was a PRCA timer for rough stock events for approximately 10 years and has held positions on the CFD Old West Museum’s Board of Directors from 1991-1993 and 2016-2022, where he served his second term on the board as Secretary, Vice President, President, and Ex Officio. At the Old West Museum, Fred has also served as a CFD Foundation Representative, a Carriage Collection Representative (during the Carriage Collection’s founding), and has, over the course of his life, served on the Long Range Planning, Development, Hall of Fame, Exhibits, and Campaign/Fundraising Committees and the Western Legacy Advisory Council. During these roles (and many others), Fred has accomplished countless consequential deeds for the Old West Museum.
In 1975, Fred met his future wife, Keren, at CFD. They were married on the first Saturday of CFD the very next year, a further testament to Fred’s deep-rooted connection to the event and its community.
Dr. Emerich’s professional leadership was also recognized with his election as Wyoming Board of Veterinary Medicine President for two terms, reflecting his respected status in the veterinary community. Fred was also appointed to the CSU Foundation Board. His commitment to public service led him into politics, serving as a Laramie County Commissioner from 1980 to 1984 and in the Wyoming Senate from 2010 to 2018, where he contributed to shape policies for the betterment of his state and community.
Today, Dr. Emerich’s legacy includes not only his professional achievements and contributions to veterinary medicine and public service but also in fostering the traditions and spirit of the American West, symbolized by his enduring involvement with Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and his commitment to community service and expansion projects.