From Posse to Professional
The program started in the fall of 1979 when Sheriff O'Reilly decided to upgrade the Sheriff's Posse. Originally, Reserve Deputies covered for full-time Deputies when they were sick, on vacation or needed additional help on shift. Reserves have always been called out during large-scale incidents such as demonstrations, labor unrest, wildfires, floods, incidents requiring SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), and Search and Rescue. LCSO Reserves regularly provide law enforcement for events such as rodeos and concerts, and fulfill contract duties for the Forest Service to protect our campgrounds and wilderness. In some cases, without the Reserve force the Sheriff's Office would have been overwhelmed by the lack of manpower needed to respond to significant incidents. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff reserves have been called to duty as part of a strike team to assist other Sheriff's Office during natural disasters such as wildland fires.
Today, our reserve unit is made up of men and woman who have chosen to volunteer their time to help our office achieve the mission. They come from all walks of life with full time careers. Business owners, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, ranch hands, college students, home makers, EMTs, counselors, teachers, mechanics, and retired active military.
The reserve unit is commanded by the Special Operations Captains and supervised by our Reserve Coordinator. Reserves have their own rank structure within the unit; Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, Senior Deputies, and Deputies. The reserve unit is outfitted with their own fleet of Sheriff's Office Patrol vehicles, including all the vehicle equipment needed to perform their duties. Our reserves have the option to volunteer working regular shifts, fielding calls, and assisting full time deputies. The reserve unit also takes on other task such as special events and camp ground checks.
The reserve unit is commanded by the Special Operations Captains and supervised by our Reserve Coordinator. Reserves have their own rank structure within the unit; Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, Senior Deputies, and Deputies. The reserve unit is outfitted with their own fleet of Sheriff's Office Patrol vehicles, including all the vehicle equipment needed to perform their duties. Our reserves have the option to volunteer working regular shifts, fielding calls, and assisting full time deputies. The reserve unit also takes on other task such as special events and camp ground checks.
Camp Ground Checks
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Every summer and into fall, reserves have a contract with the United States Forrest Service to conduct camp ground checks around Lewis and Clark County. Reserves patrol camp grounds owned by Forest Service to ensure campers are being safe and are out of harms way. Getting out and speaking with the public is a big part of camp ground checks, sometimes on foot or on ATVs. As hunting season comes around, ensuring hunter's safety becomes their primary goal.
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Special EventsReserves are also contracted and sometimes volunteer to work special events in Lewis and Clark County. Such events are the fair/ rodeo in Helena, Rodeo in East Helena, Lincoln, and Augusta. They also work other events upon request by local governments or the Sheriff's Office.
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