Fresno County SAR Posse

03/10/2026

Our Posse members spent the evening training on map and compass navigation. These foundational skills are critical for search and rescue teams operating in remote areas where GPS may fail, signals can drop, or technology simply isn’t reliable.

Navigation is a perishable skill, and regular practice ensures our members remain confident and capable in the field. Training like this helps ensure we are always prepared to respond when our community needs us.

03/05/2026

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mounted Posse would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Clovis Kiwanis Club for their generous $1,000 donation in support of our volunteer search and rescue efforts.

Community partnerships like this help ensure our team can continue training, maintaining equipment, and responding when our community needs us most.

Pictured left to right: Kiwanis President Joe Nocito, Posse members Ed Campos and Jim Dixon, and Kiwanis Events Coordinator Larry Loucks.

We truly appreciate the Clovis Kiwanis Club’s commitment to supporting organizations that serve our community.

02/14/2026

Earlier this week, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mounted Posse had the honor of swearing in two new members.

Anthony Alvarez and Angela Ausman were officially sworn in by Lt. Kathy Curtice, marking the beginning of their service with our team.

The oath signifies dedication to training, professionalism, and a commitment to respond when our community needs us most. We are proud to welcome Anthony and Angela and look forward to seeing them grow and serve alongside the Posse.

Welcome to the team — we are glad to have you.

02/01/2026

Today the Fresno County SAR Mounted Posse headed up to Shaver Lake for winter training in snow and ice ❄️🤠

Our horses do not always get exposure to these conditions, so it is important we practice moving safely across snowy and icy terrain. You never know what weather or ground conditions we may face during a real search, and preparation is everything.

Along with terrain work, we also sharpened our navigation and communication skills using CalTopo and our radios. Strong horsemanship, solid field skills, and clear communication all work together to help us operate safely and effectively when the call comes.

It was a great training day all around, and we were excited to have two new recruits out testing with us — both did a fantastic job!

We train in all weather, all terrain, because someone’s worst day could depend on our readiness.

01/12/2026

Last night we gathered for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant in Fresno—a true old-school classic with amazing cocktails, delicious Central Coast wines, and perfectly cooked steaks. It was the perfect place to celebrate the people who make our Posse what it is. 🐎✨

We were proud to honor Loren Austin as our Top Hand. Loren is hands-down one of the best backcountry packers out there—exceptionally knowledgeable, steady, and always willing to share his expertise. Our team is better because of him.

We also recognized Danielle and Alain Jeschien, two of our newest Posse members, for their outstanding commitment to fundraising. Their hard work brought in dozens of sponsors for our annual Posse fundraiser, and their dedication and enthusiasm have already made a huge impact.

We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and heart to this team. Last night was about celebrating you—and we couldn’t be more proud. 💙🤠

01/01/2026

As we enter the New Year, the Fresno County SAR Mounted Posse would like to sincerely thank our supporters, sponsors, and community partners.

Your continued support plays a vital role in our ability to serve and represent our community. We look forward to another year of service, teamwork, and partnership.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year.

11/18/2025

11/18/2025

🌟 Thank you for an incredible SOLD-OUT Annual Fundraiser Dinner! 🌟

Our Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Search & Rescue Annual Fundraiser Dinner was a huge success, and it’s all thanks to the amazing support of our community.

🇺🇸 Thank you to the Color Guard for a meaningful flag salute.
🎶 Thank you to the Sonny Coelho Band for fantastic entertainment.
🍽️ Thank you to Pardini’s for the delicious dinner.
🏛️ Thank you to the Clovis Rodeo Hall and all vendors who provided tables, chairs, décor, and event support.
🎤 Special thanks to Chris Diaz, our auctioneer, for keeping the energy high.
🐾 And thank you to our SAR Mountaineers and Jeepers for your support and presence.

To our sponsors, donors, attendees, volunteers, and SAR members — your generosity directly supports our mission and helps us continue doing what we do: responding to searches, saving lives, and serving our community when it matters most. ❤️

11/12/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans 🇺🇸

Today, the Fresno County Mounted Patrol Unit and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse proudly participated in the 108th Annual Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation.

It was a privilege to ride together in gratitude and unity, celebrating the service and sacrifice of our veterans alongside fellow members of the Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue.

Thank you to all who have served — we salute you today and every day. 🇺🇸🐎

11/11/2025

🎨🐴 Raffle & Auction Highlight! 🐴🎨

A heartfelt thank-you to Michelle Detering Art for donating these two beautiful 8x10 watercolor horse prints — each capturing the spirit, grace, and personality of our favorite four-legged friends.

Michelle’s work blends fine detail with soft, expressive brushwork, bringing every animal she paints to life. These pieces are perfect for any horse lover’s home or barn office! 🤍

Visit her gallery or shop online:
🌐 michelledeteringart.com

We’re so grateful for her generosity supporting the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Search and Rescue Fundraiser!

11/11/2025

🤠🐎 Raffle & Auction Highlight! 🐎🤠

A big thank-you to the California Rodeo Salinas for donating this incredible gift basket and two tickets to the Salinas Rodeo, one of the most iconic rodeos in the West!

This basket includes rodeo-themed goodies, Salinas tumblers, and two tickets to experience the excitement, tradition, and spirit of California’s largest rodeo — happening July 15–18 in Salinas, CA!

We’re so grateful to the Salinas Rodeo for supporting the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Search and Rescue Fundraiser. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of service and rescue in our community.

🌐 carodeo.com
📍 Salinas, California

11/11/2025

💍✨ Raffle & Auction Highlight! ✨💍

Thank you to Jesselry for donating this stunning sterling silver and turquoise adjustable ring — a true piece of handcrafted western elegance.

Handmade with care, this one-of-a-kind ring embodies style, craftsmanship, and uniqueness — perfect for any jewelry lover. 🤍💎

We’re so grateful to Jesselry for their generous support of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Search and Rescue Fundraiser!

📧 Contact Jesselry: [email protected] 
🌍 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA