For the past 50 years, the all-volunteer Sun City Posse has not received a penny of taxpayer money, government funds, subsidies or entitlements, and because of that lack of outside funding, the Posse depends on the residents of this community to keep it operational and its doors open.
Each fall, the Posse sends out a fundraising letter requesting donations and residents have been generous in their response; a follow-up letter is sent each spring. During the rest of the year, residents can purchase items that broadcast their support for the Posse by going online to The Posse Shoppe.
In the lobby at Posse headquarters, 10861 W. Sunland Drive, there is a display case with an eclectic collection of items for sale; but there also is a website where those items can be purchased. There are unisex golf shirts, in a variety of colors, from basic white to red, with the Posse logo on it, along with the word “Supporter” etched above the logo. The online Posse Shoppe also sells baseball caps, cups, totes, pet water/food bowls, apple watch bands, can coolers, mouse pads, pet bandanas, garden and lawn house banners, unisex T-shirts and cookbooks. All items can be purchased at suncityposse.org and the money goes to the Posse’s general operating fund.
Over the more than 50 years of its existence, the Posse has supported the community through a variety of efforts including welfare checks. Last year the Posse conducted 267 checks totaling about five per week. The Posse can respond to welfare check a lot faster than the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office because of its position within the community. Of the 267 welfare checks, the Posse resolved 100 percent of them because the resident was found and or helped, if needed. The family or friends of a welfare check are always notified of the outcome.
An important part of the welfare check is the Resident Emergency Information Card — dubbed the Yellow Card. The card provides valuable information in the event of a welfare check. The Posse’s Vacation Watch program also is a critical part of its operation. Last year the Posse conducted more than nearly 19,000 checks. All a resident must do is fill out the vacation watch card, turn it in and leave the rest to the agency. Once the Posse has the pertinent information on file, a patrol officer will visit the house to make sure all windows and doors are secure. After the initial visit, the house will be checked by a Posse member on a regular basis. If there is a problem such as a break in or a broken pipe, the homeowner or designated representative is alerted to the problem.
But the Posse also does more. It has patrol vehicles that travel the streets, including at night keeping a watchful eye on the community. The 130 volunteers who make up the Posse are neighbors, so they care about the community. They patrol Sun City 52 weeks a year to protect and serve. Even though the Posse is not law enforcement, it is the local eyes and ears for MCSO.
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