John and Robin Stevenson, of Butler, pay for tickets from posse members Karen Kaufman and Brianna King during a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Butler County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse at American Legion Post 778 in Butler Township on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The meals as well as raffles helped raise money for the posse's uniforms, saddlebags, and other materials. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 3/5/22

Joseph Ressler

BUTLER TWP — Friends and neighbors attended the first spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Butler County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse on Saturday afternoon.

Gail Leopold, captain of the horse-riding security posse, said the goal of the event at American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane, was to raise funds for needed materials.

“We’re responsible for buying our shirts, badges, whistles. This is to help us buy equipment like saddlebags and uniforms,” she said.

Those attending had their choice between a takeout or dine-in meal with spaghetti, salad and dessert. People also used the opportunity to participate in raffles.

Leopold said all 23 members of the patrol unit pitched in to put the event on.

“Everyone does it because they love (the group),” she said.

The posse was reformed in 1972, according to Leopold, and has grown in number. She said the community often can spot its members at events such as the Big Butler Fair, the Butler Farm Show and the Portersville Steam Show.

“Mainly at events we’re security. We’re the public relations for Butler County,” she said. “We carry first aid, we help find lost kids, lost teddy bears, keys, help with parking ... People love to pet the horses, they act like they’ve never seen a horse before.”

Karen Kaufman, treasurer of the posse, said the posse’s presence at events is to look out for the community’s well-being.

“We’re not there to intimidate,” she said.

The posse always is looking for new members, Leopold said. Those interested need to have their own horses and trailers, and they need to pass an interview and horse trial.

“You need to have a quiet horse,” she said. “We’re in lots of crowds, people are always running up to us with balloons, there’s amusement park rides all around.”

Members of the horse community were plentiful at the fundraiser. Joann Papas ordered eight takeout meals for friends who were taking their horses out for a trail ride later in the day.

“They’re an important organization to support,” Papas said. “The best part has been seeing everyone I know, and eyeing the desserts.”

Rick and Theresa Stoner also came to see and support their friends in the posse.

“It’s always nice to support the community,” Theresa said.

Leopold was grateful to those who supported however they could.

“Thank you, thank you so much to everyone,” she said. “We hope you’ll say hello to us at events.”