The County Posse

1. Explorer Post:

In 2001, we formed the Elbert County Sheriff's Explorer Post for young adults ages 14-20 in order for these kids to learn what a career in law enforcement could be like for them and to assist the sheriff's office at community events. The adults of the Posse's Youth Division provided leadership and guidance to the young adult members of the Explorer Post. In 2001, we funded, recruited, and started this youth organization and affiliated our group of kids with 30 other law enforcement agencies in the state who have Explorer Post's so that our kids would have peer groups to learn from, train with, and compete with in simulated law enforcement exercises.

2. Simulated incidence/training:

We have helped and participated in annual simulated disaster and/or critical incidences in the county such as simulated plane crashes, simulations of hazardous materials spills, simulated school disasters, etc. If any such situation were to actually occur, we have personnel that has experience and training in such things that could lend assistance to the emergency services personnel.

3. Two Emergency Services Vehicles:

We have solicited donations and out fitted two emergency services vehicles for use in emergency situations in the county.

• Incident Command Vehicle (ICV):    We turned a Winnebago camper into an on- scene Incident Command Vehicle (ICV) for use by fire and law enforcement. With our time, money and donated services, we were able to repaint the vehicle, put signs on it, emergency lights (red and blue), several thousand dollars worth of radios for county wide communications, food, water, and medical supplies. This unit has been deployed to county emergencies to provide shelter, a work area, and a meeting place for emergency services personnel (fire, law enforcement, etc.) while on-scene.
   

• Search & Rescue vehicle:    In the summer of 2002 the Posse acquired and donated a large ambulance to the sheriff's office to be used as the county's Search & Rescue vehicle. In ambulance configuration, this vehicle is capable of carrying multiple patients. In deployment mode, it can carry 6-7 emergency services personnel along with their equipment and gear.

4. Firearms training:

In 2000, it was noted that the Sheriff's Office did not have a qualified and documented firearms training program leaving the deputies with out adequate training and the county exposed to possible liability. Several Posse members took the necessary classes, put together the lesson plans, and conducted quarterly training courses for all sheriffs' office personnel.

5. Holiday food boxes and toys:

The Posse has participated in distributing boxes of food and toys to needy families in the county during the holiday season. Working with the American Legion in Elizabeth and other organizations. This program that has been in place many years.

6. Business updates:

The Sheriff's Office keeps an up-to-date record of all commercial businesses in the county. This information is used to contact business owners or mangers in the event of a fire or other problem which may be discovered late at night after the business is closed. In the past, Posse members have canvassed the county updating those records with current contact information.

7. Security:

We provide security at community events such as The Elizabeth Stampede, Elizabeth, the County Fair, Calhan fair, Simla Days, Elbert Day, and emergency incidents where and when requested. On request we have patrolled schools that are experiencing vandalism and other similar situations. Until recently, we had provided court security at the front door of the court house in Kiowa running the metal detector and assisting citizens in their access to the judicial system.

8. Computer support:

Hardware, network, and software support for the Elbert County Sheriff's Office. Several of our members have donated their time and expertise to wire the Sheriff's Office and installed a computer network to allow multiple computers to talk to one another and connect to the Internet. Working with the Sheriff's office personnel, software was obtained and integrated to allow for this to occur. Several computers were also donated to the sheriff's office by the Posse. The Posse has also donated computers, software and expertise to network the Calhan Police Department.