Sheriff’s Posse queen adds glow to county fair

July 8, 2009

By Brenda Rader Mross

The Wellington

 

 

As a rule, royalty commands royal treatment, but this year’s Larimer County Sheriff’s Posse queen insists on treating others royally.

 

Sixteen-year-old Emily Yarberry considers it an honor to represent the local sheriff’s department during the 130th Larimer County Fair and Rodeo July 31 through Aug. 4 at The Ranch.

 

“I’m really the face of the fair,” Emily declared. “I’ll be at the community booth just inside the gate a lot, smiling and being friendly, answering questions, handing out pamphlets and safety packets.”

 

To be considered for the county sheriff’s royalty, candidates are required to have a family member on the posse and undergo a rigorous writing competition and interview process. Emily has been working her way up through the ranks of princess and attendant for the past 10 years to earn the title, which she may retain through re-election until she’s 18.

 

“It’s been extremely fun learning the entire mentality,” she said. “The posse queen must be very cordial, and always key in on the positive.”

One of the posse queen’s most important duties is the same as any ruler’s: public relations.

 

“Some people come by (the community booth) to complain about county government in general,” Emily elaborated. “You have to learn to be very friendly, and know where to direct them.”

 

Emily’s familial connection to the posse is her mother, Nancy Yarberry, a sheriff’s deputy since 1986, who also serves as a Poudre School District School Resource Officer. SROs are certified peace officers employed to help maintain a safe, learning environment. During the school year, Yarberry has split her time between Cache La Poudre and Wellington (Colorado) junior high schools.

 

Law enforcement is near and dear to the rest of the Yarberrys as well. Emily’s father, Jeff, is in community corrections, while her brother Matt, 20, is working toward becoming a Colorado State Patrol officer. An incoming junior at Poudre High School, Emily doesn’t know exactly what she’s going to do after graduation day, only that it will definitely be in the area of law enforcement.

 

“I grew up around it,” Emily said. “Law enforcement has been my entire life. I want to benefit my community. I know it will make me a better person.”

 

What excites Emily most about the prospect of becoming an officer of the law is being available whenever, wherever needed.

 

“Love us or hate us, law enforcement is all about community service,” she said. “I want to be the go-to person. I’ve seen so many examples of officers going above and beyond.”

 

She can testify to that from personal experience.

 

On May 8, Emily was in a car accident on her way home. While North County Road 7 was being resurfaced, Emily lost control of her vehicle and was broadsided by a pickup. The impact was on her passenger side, totaling her car, but she came away with only minor cuts and bruises.

 

It was the proverbial wake-up call and the call every parent dreads, maybe especially those who routinely go out on such calls.

 

“Mom heard it go out over the radio: ‘Little red car vs. truck, 16-year-old female, injuries unknown,’” Emily recounted. “She freaked. The sheriff himself (Jim Alderden) sat in for her so she could come right away.”

 

The young driver said her lesson was two-fold: Be a better judge of how fast you’re driving. Just because a speed limit is posted (40 mph in this case) doesn’t mean you can go that fast. Second is to recognize your own mortality.

 

“I’m extremely lucky to be alive,” Emily acknowledged. “It wasn’t my time yet. It’s as simple as that.”

 

That kind of awareness and appreciation makes next month’s activities all the more special.

 

“I’ve been going to the Larimer County Fair ever since I can remember,” she said. “I love it all, but my favorite thing is people watching” — and the Ferris wheel, Navaho Tacos (deep fried, loaded and huge) and viewing all the 4-H club exhibits.

 

Emily participated in rodeo events one summer — the Yarberrys have six horses — but she admits she was happier practicing than competing. It’s handing out ribbons to junior rodeo riders that she’s really looking forward to, as well as watching the mutton busting competition for youngsters.

 

Emily’s queenly commission includes helping to solicit $7,000 for the kids’ rodeo, Aug. 1 and 2 at the fairgrounds. Her personal goal is to raise $2,500 this year like she did last year. Interested donors to the junior rodeo may call her at 412-8841 before July 28.

 

This year’s posse queen considers it her gift to be involved in both the sheriff’s department’s Shop with a Cop and Santa Cops, as both programs are designed to benefit underprivileged children during the holidays.

 

Emily grew up in Fort Collins but moved to the Wellington (Colorado) area when her parents divorced when she was in fifth grade. She says her mother’s partner, James Remington, has been a big influence on her as has Ted Daughters, her ninth-grade English teacher at WJHS.

According to Emily, the small community aspect is what she loved most about attending school in Wellington (Colorado) and that it remains intact at Poudre.

 

“It’s cool how we stick together,” she said.

 

History and English are Emily’s best subjects and she loves to read. Both she and her brother work at libraries in Fort Collins. She’s a big fan of “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling and recently reread the popular “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer, finishing all four books in three days.

 

“I love books in general,” Emily said. “They’re a great way to get lost and forget about tomorrow.”

 

It would be a royal pain to go adrift and miss the fair, though, especially since admission is free again this year. Visit www.LarimerCountyFair.org for details.