By Matt Roy, Independent Newsmedia

Sheriff’s Posse of Sun City West officials presented certificates to members recognized by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for service to the organization in 2016.

Posse Commander Bob Carneiro expressed his gratitude to the organization’s volunteers and their service to the community during the group’s regular meeting May 16 at Posse headquarters, 20450 N. Stardust Blvd.

“To everyone, not just those who receive certificates, we have to say, ‘Thank you so much,’” Mr. Carneiro said. “Because without all of you, we cannot survive, doing all the extra hours everyone does keeping this community safe.”

Certificates were presented to volunteers in three categories based on total hours served. Among those honored were; 500-999 hours: Blair Benjamin, Edie Birkland, Audrey Clampett, Paul Conery, Dan Cook, Rich DeMeyer, Lori Elledge, Bob Elmiger, Leo Flynn, Greg French, James Halloran, Dorothy Halonen, Caren Halloren, Dave Hodgins, Bob Lincks, Joni Livengood, Fran McElroy, Francis McHugh, Nanette McHugh, Tom Newman, Jerry Nicholson, Roy Peiffer, Brian Penry, Jack Poeske, Jerry Speiss, Sue Tennant, Steve Tucker, Jan Vejraska, Wally Waldsmith, Jim Wzorek and Cathy Yamanoucchi.; 1000-1999 hours: Joy Barrett, Henry Bianco, Bob Carneiro, Lynn Conner, Myron Finegold, John Merkel, Gil Pantea, John Quinn, Lou Rotundo, Ann Waldsmith and Barbara Westenberg; 2000 or more hours: Ron Epperson and Don Sampson.

With a total of 2,173 hours served last year, Mr. Sampson’s total effort represents an average of nearly 42 hours per week.

In the wake of recruitment difficulties over the past few years, the group’s numbers have dwindled to nearly half of their previous strength. As a result, many volunteers have put in long hours to enable the Posse to continue providing a wide array of important services in the community.

The group seeks volunteers, both to fill uniformed patrol positions and in other non-uniform associate roles.

Visit www.scwposse.com.