In the shadow of the Sangre de Cristos, echoes of the Old West never quite fades. This was outlaw country once — legend has it that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid themselves passed through these canyons and valleys on their way between hideouts. The same trails they rode are now patrolled by a different kind of posse — one that wears the badge of Custer County and serves with quiet resolve.
Today, that legacy lives on through Sheriff Rich Smith and the Custer County Posse: a trained, volunteer force of nearly 25 who ride not for glory, but to keep the peace.
From September 12, 2001, to the Sangres
I had the chance to sit down with Sheriff Smith one evening at the American Legion. Friendly, thoughtful, and mission-driven, he shared how it all started:
“On September 12, 2001 – a day after the attack on our country – I joined the Colorado State Patrol,” he said. “I knew I wanted to serve.”
That service eventually brought him here – to a rural county where law enforcement still works face-to-face, and where showing up matters more than rank.
“Criminals don’t recognize county lines,” he told me. “They come into our county. I want to make sure they feel uncomfortable here.”
The Modern Posse
Don’t let the word “volunteer” fool you – the Posse is trained in firearms, self-defense, and public safety support. They patrol not only local roads and neighborhoods, but also vast tracts of federal and BLM land. You’ll see them managing parade routes, guiding traffic after storms, running security at school games, and keeping an eye on things around Lake DeWeese and local camps.
Earlier this summer, they helped deputies track and arrest a fugitive with a national warrant out of Arizona – spotting him at Lowe’s Market and preventing access to his vehicle before peacefully taking him into custody. That’s just one example of local readiness meeting real-time risk.
Digital Maverick with 3.1 Million Views
and 10,000 Followers
Custer County’s sheriff’s department has become an unexpected digital success story. Their Facebook page has garnered over 3.1 million views just this year, drawing attention not for controversy, but for connection – sharing updates, safety info, and community events that build trust.
Worth Protecting
In a county where wildlife abounds and sunsets look like paintings, it’s easy to forget the quiet work of prevention. But for Sheriff Smith and his team, it’s anything but forgotten.
“When people come out here for the first time and see those mountains, it’s clear – this is a community worth protecting.”
And protect it they do – not with fanfare, but with boots on the ground and a Posse still willing to saddle up when the call comes in.
– K.C. Stark,
The Tribune’s Man on the Street
