Overview

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse unit is actively seeking new members to join our team.  Anyone who is ready, willing and able to volunteer and assist the sheriffs department in a search and rescue operation is welcome to apply.  Volunteers will take part in initial and periodic training missions in order to maintain the required skills as well as developing new ones.  Training will consist of the following:  Survival Skills, First Aid, CPR, Mapping, GPS, Compass, Communications and Tracking.  All members must pass field-testing in order to meet national standards established by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).  Assessments will need to be completed before you are authorized to assist in any search and rescue campaign.

Members

Members of the Mounted Posse are volunteers who own their own horses and mules, and they use their own equipment to care for and transport the animals when needed. The volunteer unit includes approximately 25 members who have day jobs as attorneys, law enforcement personnel, sales representatives, teachers, and farmers just to name a few

Commitment to the Community

Mounted Posse members come from all walks of life, but share a commitment to serving the residents of Fresno County.  When there are lost-person emergencies they band together and utilize their training, commitment and team work to really make a difference and God willing bring someone home safe.

 

Membership Requirements

  1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Be a U.S. citizen.
  3. Submit an application for the Volunteer Unit of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Posse.
  4. Submit the Disaster Service Worker Application.
  5. Pass a background check by the Fresno County Sheriff.
  6. Be in good physical health.
  7. Be profecient in riding in the high country.
  8. Have knowledge of the high/back country of Fresno County.
  9. Equipment Inspection: The Fresno County Sheriff’s Posse Board Members will conduct the Equipment Inspection at a specified time and date.
    1. The following will be required and inspected:
      1. Vehicle and its registration
      2. Horse trailer and its registration
      3. Vehicle Insurance Certificate
      4. Sound trail horse.
      5. Pack horse (Recommended)
    2. NOTE: In order to maintain membership, all Fresno County Sheriff’s Posse members must be the registered owner of the trailering vehicle, the horse trailer and maintain proper insurance coverage for both vehicles. In addition, all members must be the owner of one (1) sound horse capable of the performance required to conduct exercises and Search and Rescue operations.
  1. All new applicants will be required to go on mountain rides to assess both the rider and horse’s ability to perform in conditions similar to those that would be encountered in an actual search.
  2. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Posse Board Members will conduct an oral interview at a specified time and date.
  3. Upon the acceptance of any prospective member, that member will be on a probationary status for two (2) years.
  4. All probationary members and general members are required to attend a minimal number of general meetings (held the 1st Tuesday of each month) and attend periodic exercises during the year.
  5. Within thirty (30) days, all probationary members are required to be certified in First Aid and CPR.
    1. NOTE: Probationary members and general members that do not maintain their certification in First Aid and CPR or do not attend the periodic exercises required by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department will not be qualified or callouts and their membership will be reviewed.
  6. Each probationary member and general member for active search & rescue will have the following
    1. First Aid kit
    2. Compass, GPS, Map(s)
    3. Radio
    4. Disaster Worker Card (issued by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department)
    5. Proper gear an apparel to conduct exercises and search and rescue operations (clothing, bedding, and food)
    6. Purchase search and rescue shirt (orange with the designated patches), authorized by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department
  7. Each probationary member and general member will be required to pay annual dues which are required at the beginning of each year (January 1st).