First woman to head Glenn County Sheriff's Posse

She is the first woman to be named captain of the Glenn County Sheriff's Posse in its 50-year history.

Diann Day of Corning assumes the coveted post in 2012 after serving as the posse's first lieutenant for four years.

Day joined the posse in 1995 when she was sponsored by Tina Fodge to become part of the Women's Posse.

Some years later, the women's posse was combined with the men's group, she said, and today it has 38 members of both sexes.

Like many officers in an organization, Day has done plenty of work behind the scenes of its events.

She chaired the posse's annual poker ride in Elk Creek for three years, served as arena director for four more and has served on its board of directors for six years.

The Sheriff's Posse assists in search and rescue operations, helps monitor events at the Glenn County Fairgrounds and participates in parades regularly.

It also hosts team pennings and horse events at its arena at the end of County Road 21 in Orland.

"I feel I can do a pretty good job," Day said Thursday. "This is a great group to work with. I think we can do a good job this year."

The group's new club house building is on the arena site and should be remodeled by the late spring.

It is a modular structure the posse wants to use for meetings, office space and more.

Day said volunteers will do most of the work and a grand opening will be scheduled with a barbecue in April or May to show it off to the public.

There was no Sheriff's Posse in Tehama County when Day joined this one, she said. In fact, some board members come from as far away as Oroville to participate.

Day raises paints and Quarter horses on 40 acres near Corning and has about 45 head.

She added they are all-around horses used for showing, pleasure and cattle work.

Sheriff Larry Jones rides one of Day's geldings in parades and events, she said, while she rides a palomino mare in parades — carrying flags.

She often is paired with Posse member John Viegas in the parades. Viegas is a Glenn County Supervisor from Orland.

"I think it's going to be great," Viegas said of Day's taking charge. "It is well deserved. The membership respects her and she has proven her leadership ability."

He added he believes Day will bring a new perspective to the group and oversee events that will bring in money for the youth of the community.

The posse funds scholarships for high school graduates, donates money to area 4-H clubs and contributes to the Junior Livestock Auction at the Glenn County Fair, he said.

He also said the group seemed ready for a change, which is why Day was elected to captain.

"Whatever help she needs, I'll be there for her," Viegas said. "Just like she did for me when I was captain of the posse."

The annual poker ride will be April 14 in Elk Creek, Day said.

It draws trail riders from around Northern California for a day on the trails of a large ranch and a barbecue lunch at the end.

Posse Board members this year include Meagan Bascom, who also serves as secretary and leader of the Junior Sheriff's Posse, Ed Freyslaven, Becky Gage, Bill Schroer, Bob Verbridge, Sandy Wineroth and Nancy Wadsworth, Day said, adding her First lieutenant is J.R. Swain.

A self-described "people person," Day said she likes people and enjoys meeting and talking with them.

She also is optimistic 2012 will be a good year for the posse as it strives to increase membership and get young people into horses.

The junior posse has 12 members now, including two of Day's grandsons, five and three, who ride in some events, she said.

CONTACT Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.