Published: June 11, 2009 04:06 pm      

Posse a family affair for Shifflett

Phil Riddle

editor@weatherfordddemocrat.com

Justin Shifflett calls activities surrounding the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse “a big part of my life.”

Shifflett, the 2008-09 Posse Captain, is used to riding in parades and rodeo grand entries, since it is, after all, a family affair.

His wife, Jennifer, was the Parker County Posse Sweetheart in 1989, and his father-in-law, Avery Morris, held the captain’s position in 1996.

“It’s a real big honor to be captain,” Shifflett said. “The Posse has been in existence for 62 years and 62 men have been named captain.”

Shifflett reports the duties of the highest ranking officer in the organization include running board meetings, calling meetings and making what he calls, “big decisions.” A new captain is elected every August and assumes the post in September.

The 11-year member of the Posse has lived in Weatherford since 1994, and is an appraiser for the Parker County Appraisal District. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two kids, 10-year-old Avery, who has her eyes on becoming Posse Sweetheart when she turns 16, and 5-year-old Zane.

Shiflett also coaches tee-ball, but admits his activities with the Posse keep him hustling.

“That’s what I was doing yesterday,” he said. “We were riding in a Parade in Jacksboro.”

Shifflett and the rest of the Posse have been busy behind the scenes planning the 62nd annual Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo, which begins its four-day run Wednesday.

Posse members will ride in the Rodeo Parade, which starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Ninth Grade Center on South Main Street.

General admission tickets for the rodeo are available for $10 for adults and $5 for students at local banks and the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Children under 5 years old get in free. Reserved seat tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce for $12 each.



Parker County Sheriff’s Posse 2008-2009 Officers

Captain - Justin Shifflett

Lieutenant - Tom Mills

Sec/Treas - Dale Ballard

Corral Boss - Bill Ward

Wrangler - Lee Durant