Some Central Valley law enforcement officers will be participating in the Inaugural Parade for President-elect Donald Trump.
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee announced that the Merced County Sheriff’s Posse will march in the parade.
The big picture: The Sheriff’s Posse, based out of Hilmar, will be one out of around 40 groups participating in the Inaugural Parade.
- The posse will march in the section of the parade after the U.S. Air Force.
- During the parade, the posse will fly flags that represent Sheriff’s Offices from around the Central Valley, spanning from San Joaquin County to Kern County.
Driving the news: The Sheriff’s Posse is self funded and does not take any government money.
- Its horses are Palominos that are 16 hands or taller with black western saddles that are sterling silver.
- The group was established in 1948 and has marched in three previous inaugurations: 1971 for Richard Nixon, 2001 for George W. Bush and 2017 for Trump. The group also participated in the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration.
Zoom out: Nearly 7,500 people from 23 states will participate in the Inaugural Parade in total, including veterans groups, first responders, marching bands and equestrian groups.
- The Merced County Sheriff’s Posse is raising funds on gofundme.com to help its members travel to Washington D.C. for the parade.
What they’re saying: “The friendships I have with the sheriffs up and down this valley is – it’s very deep,” Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke told Nexstar. “And to know that they’re allowing me to take their colors to this and to show President Trump that California sheriffs support him and to be there at this level is – words almost can’t describe it, what I’m feeling.”
