Latest news with #mountedpatrol
CBS News
10 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
City of Miami Police introduce five new mounted patrol horses to strengthen community connection
The City of Miami Police Department has welcomed five new four-legged members to the force. Buster, Winny, Woody, Miamy and Exclusivo are the department's newest mounted patrol horses, donated by several organizations to help enhance both public safety and community engagement. "They are incredible representatives to the police department," said City of Miami Police Chief Manny Morales. High vantage, deep connection Mounted patrol officers say horses offer unique advantages. From their elevated position, they allow officers to see more of what's happening in busy neighborhoods and help draw the public in. "These guys are going at a slow pace. They have a high vantage point, they see what's happening in the neighborhood," said Chief Morales. The new mounted unit will soon be seen patrolling areas like Wynwood, Little Havana and Coral Way. Al Eskanazy, with the Community Police Relations Foundation, helped make the donation possible. He says horses play a special role in connecting officers with residents. "What mounted does that is particularly unique is everyone loves animals. And when they come over and see the horses, they want to talk to the officer. It's a great opportunity to engage," Eskanazy said. More than just a friendly face While the horses are approachable and community-friendly, officers emphasize they're also practical when it comes to law enforcement. "If there is any situation going on or an emergency, it's easier to weave in and out of traffic and get there as soon as possible to assist the officer or to assist one of the residents," said Officer Ruben Gonzalez of the City of Miami Police. The horses work roughly six hours a day, with breaks every hour. At the end of each shift, they're brought back to rest and recover, until it's time to saddle up and serve again.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Allegheny County Mounted Unit horse retires after beating cancer, serving for nearly 20 years
Get to know the horses in county police's mounted patrol Get to know the horses in county police's mounted patrol Get to know the horses in county police's mounted patrol After beating cancer and serving the community for nearly 20 years, a horse in Allegheny County's Mounted Unit is retiring. Henry, one of the Mounted Unit's longest serving horses, was honored at an informal retirement party on Friday. Henry was donated to the police department in 2007, just a few months after now-retired senior patrol officer Swason saw a girl riding Henry in South Park. Swanson told her if she ever wanted to donate Henry, he'd have a place in the Mounted Unit. Six months later, she had to move for a job, and Henry joined the force. (Photo: Allegheny County police) Henry worked for a few years, but in 2011, he developed a sarcoid, a form of skin cancer, and was in danger of losing an eye. The Mounted Unit thought Henry's career would be over, but a local vet did an experimental procedure, saving Henry's eye and putting his cancer into remission. The Allegheny County Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 1932 by a group of officers who served with the U.S. Cavalry in World War I. Back then, the unit had 48 mounts, with horses outnumbering officers. There aren't quite as many horses serving now — though there's one less without Henry. The horses serve in parades, festivals and are used for educational purposes. Henry wasted no time getting started on his retirement. After the ceremony, police said he was immediately heading to his retirement home at Round Hill Park.
