Douglas County Sheriff's Posse secures two new mounts

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office Mounted Posse recently obtained two used Ford F-350 trucks to add to their working equipment.

The vehicles are a 2001 4x4 pick-up truck and a 1991 4x4 flatbed dually truck. These trucks were acquired through military surplus, via the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office.

With the help of several local businesses, the trucks were repaired, re-outfitted, and are now in use by the posse. The vehicles will be used for hauling posse equipment and personnel (including towing horse trailers) to locations where they are assisting the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Team with mounted search and rescue capability, large animal containment and rescue, or providing rural emergency evacuations in coordination with the county Emergency Management Office.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office Mounted Posse is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. Members are on call 24/7 year-round, and frequently perform their tasks in harsh weather during late night and early morning hours.

In addition to their search and rescue capabilities, the posse also provides security at community events and gatherings within Douglas County, participates in parades and ceremonies, hosts large animal vaccination clinics, provides horsemanship training to citizens and groups, and funds an annual scholarship for a graduating high school student pursuing studies in agriculture, animal science, or criminal justice.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office Mounted Posse depends on the generosity of the public for its funding and equipment.

Financial donations may be made by contacting posse President Jerry Palmer at (775) 292-9058 or Membership Chairman Mike Murphy at 782-1991. All donations are fully tax deductible.

For more information on what activities the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Mounted Posse is involved in, or if interested in joining the posse, visit the DCSMP Web site at www.dcsmposse.com.