The Minneapolis Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit recently saw a changing of the guard, as they celebrated the graduation of two new officers. According to a Facebook post from the MPD, the ceremony that took place at the Police Horse Barn in Maple Plain was a dual-purpose event—honoring the incoming and the outgoing. The post described six weeks of intensive training, where the graduating officers had to quickly learn everything from horsemanship to the finer points of horse care.
The event was not just a commencement; it also marked a poignant goodbye to Teak, a horse retiring after many loyal years, and paid tribute to Haven, a horse that passed away earlier this year. "The ceremony also included a heartfelt farewell to Teak, a longtime service horse retiring after years of dedication, and a touching memorial for Haven, who passed away earlier this year," the department shared.
During the ceremony, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to see the new graduates demonstrate the skills they acquired through their training. The Mounted Patrol Unit, noted as being the only one of its kind in Minnesota, plays a critical role in not only maintaining order during large events but also as a bridge to better relationships with local residents. "The horses also serve as ambassadors, helping us build trust and approachability within the community," emphasized the MPD's Facebook post.
"Congratulations to our newest Mounted Patrol graduates!" the MPD announced.
