Canadian County Sheriff To Launch New “Sheriff’s Posse”

The Canadian County sheriff announced Tuesday he’s launching new a “Sheriff’s Posse” and is looking for people from all backgrounds and races to join in.

Sheriff Chris West said the response has already been overwhelming. The idea, he said, began during his 2016 election.

While the name may have you wondering, the sheriff believes, it may not be what you think.

“It might have some alarming connotations to it, that is not my intention at all,” said West. “There is a lot of people in the county that are just looking for some way to get involved to help others (and I) think the local sheriff’s office is a good way to help facilitate that.”

Groups, the sheriff said, will likely be broken down by city.

From veterinarians, paramedics or someone with an administrative background, anything is possible.

“I don’t want to narrow it all down right now, saying this is going to be A,B and C,” said West. “We need to wait and see what the people see that they are able to do to help each other and were going to be excited about facilitating that.”

Those with a law enforcement background can apply too, however they must be CLEET certified.

Some vetting will be done.

The idea, however, is not everyone will be wearing a badge.

“If we draw some retired law enforcement individuals and they say ‘Hey, I would like to be a reserve deputy,’ we have a reserve deputy program,” said West. “So, there is a possibility that some of them could end up with a commission of being a reserve deputy.”

Many community members, some even out of state have already applied according to the sheriff.

“There is good, godly people out there that are interested in being a part of this “Sheriff’s Posse” so they can help their fellow citizens and that is something that I am really excited about.”

There is no timeline on getting the “Posse” up and running, according to the sheriff.

West said where things go from here, depends on who applies.

Applications are being accepted online to become part of the Canadian County “Sheriff’s Posse.”