CLEARFIELD – Last year, Clearfield County Sheriff Wes Thurston put out a call for volunteers in Clearfield County to form the first official posse.
Many people responded to the sheriff’s call, and 350 of the 452 members attended the first posse meeting Thursday night at the Hyde Wesleyan Church to meet their commanders and to hear guest speakers.
It was noted again that the purpose of a posse is to help law enforcement and to work for the greater good of the community.
Several people mentioned how a “well-armed militia” is provided for in the Second Amendment, noting that the posse is the citizens, protecting and serving their community.
District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. noted he asked Thurston what his goals were for the posse and was told it was to help in emergency situations. Shaw added that they are always looking for ways to accomplish things with little or no money.
Thurston thanked everyone for donating their time, talents and resources and especially those who work long, difficult days who are also willing to join the posse, noting they are receiving help from all walks of life.
“Without you folks none of this would be possible, he said.”
Thurston introduced the posse chaplains, including Stevan Sheets, assistant pastor of Hyde Wesleyan, Charles Myers of DuBois Church of God, Dan Osterhout of Curwensville First Baptist Church, Gary Jewart of Winburne Presbyterian Church and Bob Goldenberg of Clearfield Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Chief Deputy Mike Churner, posse commander, then introduced the posse by unit. There are five units, each with a commander and assistant commander.
The central unit, commanded by Deputies Jeff Rhone and Stephanie Neeper, the northeast unit commanded by Deputies Randy Killion and Ed Blakely, the northwest unit commanded by Deputies George DeHaven and Jeff Fink, the southeast unit commanded by Deputies Traci Winters and Mark Coudriet and the southwest unit commanded by Deputies Mike Rowles and Tom Janocko.
An emotional part of the meeting was an awards presentation. Thurston talked briefly about the recent incident in Grassflat when deputies attempted to serve a warrant and how the routine event quickly became an emergency.
Commendations for bravery in the face of extreme danger were presented to deputies Rowles, who was first at the door that day, Killion, winters, Coudriet and DeHaven. A commendation was also presented to Churner for bravery and leadership.
Thurston noted how they were all willing to put their lives on the line for others that day. Churner added that Thurston had approached the house in plain clothes inquiring about a car for sale to ascertain whether the man was inside, and how he had prayed for the deputies before they approached the door, stating that he believes that a deputy would have lost their life that day had Thurston and others not been praying.
Special speakers included State Rep. Tommy Sankey, R-73 of Clearfield, who stated, “This is our community and we have to work together,” to care for each other and uphold and support the community.
State Rep. Matt Gabler, R-75 of DuBois quoted the Second Amendment and said he was proud to be part of the gathering. “Thank you for stepping up and doing what’s right,” he said.
Joe Peters, Republican candidate for Attorney General noted it was refreshing to be in a community of “real Pennsylvanians,” and thanked everyone for being part of the group. “God bless you for what you do.”
The guest speaker was Anatoly Tumanov, a U.S. Citizen who is originally from the Ukraine and who now lives in Decatur Township and works for Northrop Grumman Corp., the fourth largest defense contractor for the United States.
Tumanov began by saying he was humbled to be part of the evening and said he firmly believes in the need to support the Constitution, adding that the United States is a republic, not a democracy, “and we need to remember that.”
Tumanov said after graduating from Penn State he wanted to give back to the university and his community and help people understand how special and unique the United States is.
He said he worked on a project to bring students from Russia to America to experience the county while also bringing American students to Russia to live for six months, which allowed the students to understand the freedoms we take for granted.
He said diversity has become an important buzzword and was one he didn’t think much about until he read an article on a speech given by former Governor of Colorado, Richard Lamb in 2005, who talked about using the things that divide the country to destroy it and spoke as one who is an adversary of the country. The speech, entitled “I have a plan to destroy America” noted five points that would be used.
The first is to make the United States a bilingual country, creating division. Furthering that division is holding up multiculturalism where all cultures are equal.
Third is celebrating diversity, not equality, then make those who are part of the minority think that any lack of success they have is the fault of the majority. Fourth is to permit dual citizenship and celebrating differences, not commonalities. The fifth action is the make talking about these issues off limits or taboo.
Tumanov said all these challenges are now present and eroding our freedoms and asked what can be done. There were two things he stated were important.
The first, he said, is to strive for unity, rejecting divisions and finding what makes us united, uniting for the community and common good. The second is saying “I do care.” Tumanov said not caring is part of the consciousness of the world, but standing up and caring about your neighbor brings us together.
“I see that you do care and I commend you,” he said. “May God bless your hearts and grant you strength and wisdom.”
Thurston noted he is still accepting applications for the posse. Applications can be picked up at the sheriff’s office or any local firearms store. Thurston also noted that the first mock exercise will be held in early summer, and notification will be given to posse members.