The Larimer County Sheriff’s Posse was organized in 1956 and has continually served the citizens of Larimer County since. The posse is a volunteer group of skilled horse riders who assist the sheriff’s office with search and rescue, large animal rescue during disasters, and crowd control at large events. They also participate in parades, the Larimer County Fair, rodeos, Santa Cops, and CSU football games.
Sheriffs’ posses have existed in the United States since the 1700s. In the west, territorial jurisdictions were vast and law enforcement was minimal. Sheriffs and marshals often deputized ranchers, farmers, cowboys, and townspeople to help enforce the law and hunt down and capture criminals and escapees. Qualifications for these early-day posse members required little more than the ability to shoot straight, ride a horse, follow a trail, and survive for long periods of time in the field. Records show that posses have been used to cover Larimer County’s 2,640 square miles since the 1880s.
The LCSO Posse is comprised of deputized and auxiliary members. All applicants and members must own, ride, transport their own horse, and pass horse skills testing. They must also pass an extensive background investigation, integrity test and oral board. Deputized members must be at least 21 years old and pass the Reserve/Posse mini-academy. Auxiliary members must be at least 18 years old, are not deputized, and do not carry firearms.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Posse, please visit our website at http://larimersheriff.org/site-page/sheriffs-posse.
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