Last Thursday, during a graduation ceremony at Pulpit Rock Church in Colorado Springs, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the oath of office to 27 members of his inaugural Posse, Class 25-1.
Traditionally, a Sheriff’s Posse refers to a group of civilians authorized to help maintain public order, particularly in large or remote regions where regular law enforcement resources may be limited.
The term posse comitatus, meaning “the power of the county” in Latin, represents a long-standing American tradition—especially in the West—of citizens supporting law enforcement efforts.
For six weeks, Posse candidates attended the Office’s Academy, where they received instruction on policies and participated in training aligned with their future assignments and the mission of the Sheriff’s Office volunteers.
Some of the areas in which our volunteer Posse members will serve include:
-Regional 911 Communication Center
-El Paso County Courthouse
-Crime Scene Security
-Crowd, Accident, and Traffic Control
-Directed Patrol, Crime Prevention, and Alarm Responses
-Fire Evacuation
-Roadblocks and Perimeter Security
-Mounted and K9 Unit
-Jail and Patrol Chaplains
-Intake and Release
-Mobile Command
The newly sworn Posse members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including prior military service, defense contracting, retired military service, education, ranching, small business ownership, technical industry expertise, and healthcare and medical professions.
Excerpts from Sheriff Joseph Roybal’s speech during the ceremony include:
“We are at a turning point—one defined by a renewed commitment to community engagement, the protection of our shared values, and the preservation of our proud Western heritage, while continuing to lead this profession in innovation, combining both heritage and futuristic thinking.
“The establishment of this inaugural class serves as both a continuation of our past and a powerful step into the future.
“As the first graduates of the Posse Academy Class 25-1, you are trailblazers. You have set a precedent, and your actions from this day forward will influence and inspire the volunteers who will one day follow the path you have now begun to carve.
“Through your dedication, training, and sense of service, you have built the foundation of what I firmly believe will become a visible, reliable, and impactful volunteer force—committed to the well-being of our community and fully integrated into the mission of our Sheriff’s Office.”
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“Your efforts will directly contribute to public safety, strengthen community relationships, and extend the reach of our sworn deputies.
“There will be ongoing opportunities for advanced training, meaningful collaboration, and continued personal growth. You will find adventure, camaraderie, and fulfillment in your shared mission.
“Here in El Paso County, the potential of this Posse is limitless. I am genuinely excited to witness how this group expands its reach, rises to new challenges, and becomes a cornerstone of our public safety framework.”
Recruiting for the next Posse Academy has begun for Class 25-2. Interested community may learn more by visiting epcsheriff.com or emailing our volunteer coordinator at hayleysuppes2@elpasoco.com
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