Payson Roundup

Photo by Sgt. Lorne Cory

Art Decker was sworn in as Captain at the April 14 meeting of the Gila County Sheriff’s Posse.

After more than 40 years of volunteer services, the Gila County Sheriff’s Posse hasn’t slowed down a bit, and recently swore in a new captain and completed training.

However, the organization needs new members to continue to provide a high level of services. Currently, the Posse has 30 members, and 18 of them are weapons certified.

The Posse was founded back in 1967 as a volunteer group to serve the Sheriff and the people of Gila County.

The Posse is called on for many emergencies such as forest fires, floods and snow.

Members also secure crime scenes, provide jail transports, assist in search and rescues and patrol.

If you are interested in becoming a member, attend a meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Gila County Sheriff’s Posse building located just north of Main Street on McLane.

Recently, five Gila County Sheriff’s Posse officers completed an Arizona Peace Officer Standard & Training weapons certification.

Training Coordinators Deputies Jerry Coddington and Will Kerr instructed the course, which included tactical simulations and night shoots.

The academy included 608 hours of both classroom and field training, plus a shoot of 1,500 rounds of ammunition for each member.

Posse members who completed the academy are allowed to carry firearms like compensated deputies.

Posse volunteers purchase their own weapons and ammunition at a cost of $325, each at no cost to the county or taxpayers.

At the April 14 general meeting of the Posse, member Art Decker was sworn in as captain by a vote of the directors, and confirmed by Posse members.

Call the Sheriff’s Office at (928) 474-2208, ext. 8978, for further information, or visit www.paysonposse.org.