History of the Pierce County Sheriff's Mounted Posse
Sheriff's Posse members riding in Tacoma's Daffodil Parade, around 1950. Click on picture to enlarge.
In August of 1945, World War II came to an end, and soldiers returned home. In the winter of that year, a group of seven men met to form a non-profit corporation, an organization of "gentlemen of good character", whose "patriotism and loyalty to the government of the United States is unquestioned" to enjoy recreation, develop themselves physically and mentally, and promote each other's "health, happiness and social relations". They set before themselves the goals of holding demonstrations, tournaments and exhibitions, and also to assist the sheriff or any other law enforcement officer of Washington in any way that seemed fitting to the organization.
Among the charter members were doctors and tradesmen, State Patrol officers, and the Pierce County Sheriff, Lee Crofts. By early 1946 the membership had grown to fifty. Their uniforms resembled those of the current posse; a US Army officer's tan shirt, green pants, white hat, and tie made of the same material as the pants. Members were commissioned by the sheriff's office. The early badges were silver, the captain's and lieutenant's badges gold plated and costing, by today's dollar, around $55 each.
The early posse met weekly at the Woodbrook riding academy, at that time owned by one of the members. Meetings typically began with drill at 7 or 7:30, based on the US Army Cavalry manual, lasting for up to 3 hours. Business meetings followed in the tack room. They typically adjourned at 11:30 or 12.
Early rides were held together with soldiers from Ft Lewis, who still had horses to tend, and in support of other clubs: the Washington Harness Club, and the Lariettes ( a relationship that continues today). Riding clubs were springing up around the county, at Ohop, Milton, Buckley, and other small communities, and the posse participated in rides in various places. The posse also participated in searches for lost persons, and was invited by some local communities to assist with policing during large community events.
In the early 1950s, meetings were held at the Sheriff's Office, and some activities were at the Tacoma Police Dept. Sheriff Lee Crofts died in 1951, and though the new sheriff was not a member, the relationship continued positive. Posse members volunteered to ride along with deputies, and continued to be commissioned by the sheriff. Drills, demonstrations and rides were conducted at the Veteran's Hospital and the State Hospital. Uniforms continued to be tan and green, with the addition of a white shirt with green piping. The red boots still worn today were added in 1953.
In the '60's, the Posse began organizing a large professional Rodeo annually, and from the proceeds over the years raised thousands of dollars for local charities and causes. Today, the rodeos are past, and the main event each year is a smaller, free, event filled day for Special Needs children and adults that we call the Pierce County Sheriff's Posse Youth Rodeo.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Posse is a non-profit organization, and your donations may be tax deductible. We welcome your contribution.
