Search and Rescue

The Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff's Posse was
organized primarily as a search and rescue group,
but, through the years, it has gained more and
different fame through its other activities.

An average of 65 members compose the posse, its
officers and its board of directors. The election
of officers is held in the fall of the year. Those
elected include a captain, whose duty is to supervise
the posse under the approval of the board of directors;
first lieutenant, who acts in the capacity of the captain
when he is not present; second lieutenant, who is in
charge of equipment; and sergeant, who is the secretary.
The treasurer is appointed by the captain, with the approval
of the board of directors.

Most men are willing to work when called on. The men all
take the oath of a deputy sheriff of Navajo County, but
are only deputy sheriffs when on call. The sheriff has the
authority to call them out and he directs them when called
out in service.

Both the sheriff and the undersheriff are members of the posse.
When on duty, the men are expected to furnish their own firearms,
horses, saddles and other equipment necessary for the performance
for their duty.

The Hashknife Sheriff's Posse is the only group in the United
States with a contract to carry the mail via Pony Express.

Many people send mail Pony Express. One year, Ralph Smith sent a
letter and kept giving some of the riders a bad time about making
sure his letter got there. When the mail sack got to Scottsdale,
a collect telegram went to him stating his letter got there safely.

All in all, the Navajo County Sheriff's Posse was created to save
and protect lives. As it has grown and prospered, it has helped
Navajo County to grow and prosper.

In keeping alive the spirit of the Old West, the posse has done
much to keep alive the spirits of the old and new generations alike.