For Immediate Release: 6/15/2017 1:32 pm
Worcester, MA (June 15, 2017) - On Friday, June 16, 2017, at 3:55 p.m. a ceremony will be held on the Worcester Common Plaza to welcome the new Worcester Police Mounted Patrol Unit. The event will be held prior to the public viewing of the Super Bowl LI Trophy at City Hall, which is part of #Worcester100. Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. and Chief Steven Sargent will preside over the ceremony which will commemorate the introduction of the new Mounted Patrol Unit and serve as the first public appearance of the four new horses. The horses were purchased through funds provided by generous sponsors. The sponsors will present the horses to the community:
The ceremony will conclude with a blessing of the Mounted Patrol Unit conducted by Worcester Police Deacon Gerry Montiverdi.
The Worcester Police Mounted Patrol is a full time unit comprised of seven officers and one lieutenant. The officers completed a ten week training program conducted by the Massachusetts State Police in which they received instruction on patrol procedure, equine first aid and equine nutrition.
The members of the Worcester Police Mounted Patrol Unit are:
The Worcester Police Department purchased and trained four horses to join the unit this past spring. The Mounted Patrol Unit will begin patrolling on June 19th. This is the first Mounted Patrol Unit in the city since the 1940s. The Mounted Patrol Unit will perform all aspects of police work including: neighborhood patrol and support, enhance community relations, crowd management and search and rescue.
Worcester County Sheriff allows the Worcester Police Department to use the newly renovated stables and barn at the Worcester County House of Correction. The facility is used at no cost to the City. Massachusetts State Police Mounted Patrol Unit continues to provide support and guidance when needed.
