Gov. Jeff Colyer granted two pardons and one commutation of a sentence Friday after declining more than 20 applications from people seeking clemency from the outgoing Republican governor.

"After a rigorous review process, I personally spoke with each of the individuals receiving clemency, and while I am hard on crime, I believe in some cases people deserve a second chance," Colyer said.

He granted a pardon to Chris Rickerson, a Wichita resident convicted of felony drug possession in 2006. He also had misdemeanors for property and drug crimes from 2005 and 2006. He completed his sentences related to the offenses in Butler and Sedgwick counties, and his district court record was expunged.

Wadaleen Thomas, who resides in Fountain, Colo., and formerly lived in Wichita, was granted a pardon by Colyer. She was convicted of felony drug possession in 1992, but that conviction was expunged by the Sedgwick County District Court. She operates WT's Military Cuts, a shop that caters to military personnel.

The commutation of sentence benefited Regina Carter, of Emporia. The combat veteran, who has post-traumatic stress disorder, was convicted of drug possession in 2016. She had served nearly three years of her sentence and the statutory penalty for her crime was reduced after her sentencing.

Her 98-month sentence was commuted to 43 months, and she should be released as early as May. She could return to prison if found to violate drug treatment and education requirements.

"As a state we need to look at our veterans and the challenges they face so we can help them return to civilian life," Colyer said.

Colyer said he denied 21 pardon applications, including cases involving murder, rape, drug and child sex offenses. In total, Colyer denied 42 pardon applications during his time in office.

The Kansas Constitution provides “the pardoning power shall be vested in the governor, under regulations and restrictions provided by law."

“Granting pardons is one of the most extraordinary powers granted by the people of Kansas to their governor, and it is one I do not take lightly,” Colyer said.