People That Make It Happen

Dick Rogers began his career in law enforcement in Marin County, California in 1973 and moved to Tuolumne County in 1978 at the invitation of Sonora Chief of Police Ron Wano. His recruitment was as simple as a recommendation from his brother-in-law, Jim Mcgettigan, and phone conversation between Dick and Wano with a promise to the Chief that he was “one of the good guys”.

Dick had received a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wyoming and a Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He is a United States Army, active and National Guard Veteran and rose to the rank of Major at the time of his retirement. His service to law enforcement in Tuolumne County spans a period of over 25 years. As a Sonora Police Officer he served in patrol and eventually head the investigation division until he was elected to Sheriff of Tuolumne County in 1998.

Dick served as Sheriff for two terms. Not long after taking office he took an active part with his department personnel and worked with the FBI receiving national media attention in solving the Yosemite Sund-Pelosso kidnapping and murders of three women who disappeared during a trip to the Park. As well, he supervised underwater recoveries in New Melonies Reservoir of four murder victims involving the Russian mafia. During his Administration, he and his Coroners’ division lead the national recall of the potentially lethal “PokiMan” toys that caused the choking death of small children.

As sheriff, Dick remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, attending and participating in numerous parades, rodeos and other events and promoting goodwill, support and cooperation with other Northern California Sheriffs and their posses. His support continues after retirement through his family. His son, Chris is a member of the Posse while both of his granddaughters, Karissa and Rayna served as Mother Lode Round-Up Queens. His daughter-in-law, Shasta, and her daughters serve on the Mother Lode Round-Up Queen Committee and are well-known mentors, not only for Tuolumne County contestants but other Queens and candidates to promote rodeo activities all over California.

Dick enjoyed retirement at his ranch home in Jamestown with his wife Jeanette and his family, along with five horses, three horse trailers, and his familiar full-size Sierra Railroad Caboose until he passed away at age 75 in March 2023 as detailed here. The Posse was able to let Sheriff Rogers know about the recognition shortly before he passed away.

Coy Huffman and Jody Carper – Professional rodeo announcers play a major role in connecting the audience to the action. It takes a unique individual to acquaint the fans with the cowboys, the stock and rodeo itself. Coy Huffman has just the right touch to excite and to get you involved.

Coy has worked all phases of rodeo from behind the chutes to out in front earning a “Gold Card” (lifetime membership) in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

A few years ago Coy began to pursue his life long vision of being a pro-rodeo announcer. Facing many challenges in a highly competitive field, Coy worked the rodeo labor list as chute boss at Cheyenne, Salinas, Dodge City, Colorado Springs, the Cow Palace and Sonora. He took advantage of opportunities to announce or emcee autograph parties, Exceptional Rodeo, high school rodeos and other events.

Bert Davis – Forty-three years as a rodeo performer. Rodeo bullfighter at age 16 (1974), working with senior clowns/bullfighters, then performing as a clown and bullfighter alone culminating as an award winning Comedy Barrel Clown and Specialty Act utilizing animal and comedy routines working rodeos, bull ridings, and special events in Forty-Five States, Five Canadian Provinces, and Australia.