Sheriff's Posse

A Brief History

The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Posse was organized in 1976 as a volunteer organization who’s primary purpose is to maintain peace, order and law in our communities; to be public spirited; to promote good fellowship; to cooperate with peace officers and with similar county organizations; and to promote the love of good horses. The organization sustains around 20 to 30 active members and ride and train their own horses at many county functions.

The mounted deputies and their horses provide many unique services for the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office and the communities they serve. They provide an additional law enforcement presence at fairs, shows, city and county events, as well as perform in parades all through the county. From the backs of their horses these officers can cover more distance than an officer can on foot, and the added visibility on horseback is also a significant advantage.

The Benefits of Horses

Horses are able to easily navigate tough terrain that would be difficult to cross by vehicle or on foot. This makes the mounted posse a huge benefit during search and rescue operations. Horses, by their size alone, provide a formidable presence of the law without any open show of force; horses are also huge crowd pleasers and attract the positive attention of both children and adults.

People who are interested in joining the posse with their horse should contact one of the board of directors by clicking on the link on the membership page.

Membership

The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Posse is a volunteer organization which requires a very large time commitment. They participate in four to six parades throughout the year, and regularly patrol at many locations throughout the county. The members of the posse are also on an emergency call out status with the Sheriff’ Office and can be activated any time the Sheriff is in need of their services.

People who are interested in applying should send an email.

Qualifications

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be of good moral character
  • Be in good physical condition
  • Own or have access to your own horse, truck, and trailer
  • Pass a background check performed by the Sheriff of Goodhue County

Training

The posse completes recurrent training to stay current in the areas of expertise needed by law enforcement.

This mandatory training includes…

  • Chemical Aerosol
  • CPR
  • Crowd control
  • First aide
  • Horse Desensitization training
  • Search and rescue techniques
  • Use of force

The posse will provide this training to new members when they are accepted. Every year the posse member must qualify with any horse they plan to use at any posse sponsored events. There are two training dates that are set and the member must attend at least one. If they wish to have a second horse certified they must train both.

Events

The GCSP provides additional security for many of the town and county festivals around the area. In addition we also participate in many local parades of which the members are required to ride in at least four.

  • Pine Island Cheese Fest
  • Goodhue Volksfest
  • Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival
  • Lake City Waterski Days
  • Hok-si-la Campground
  • Red Wing River City Days
  • Welch Village Ski Area