Mounted Unit
The Allegheny County Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 1932 by a group of officers who served with the US Calvary in World War One. Back then, the unit consisted of 48 mounts, having more horses than human officers county wide! Today, there are a total of 9 mounts who serve in parades, festivals, and are used for educational purposes.
For information on how to donate or sponsor the purchase of a horse for the Mounted Unit, contact Sgt. Kristine Thornton at 412-472-5811.
You can receive naming rights to the horse and honorable mention on the Allegheny County Police Department’s website for you and/or your company.
Henry
In 2023 - 24 year old Belgian Gelding
In 2007, Senior Patrol Officer Swanson (now retired) was on patrol in South Park when he saw a girl riding Henry through the Fairgrounds. SPO Swanson talked with her about her horse and told her if she ever wanted to donate him we would be interested. Six months later she had to move for a job, and he was donated. In 2011, Henry developed a sarcoid (a form of skin cancer) on his face around his right eye. We thought he would lose the eye, and his police career would be over. A local vet did an experimental procedure similar to human chemotherapy on him and was able to save his eye. The cancer remains in remission to this day.
Livy
In 2023 -11 year old Percheron Mare
Livy was bred to be a carriage horse, and was broken to pull, as well as be a saddle horse. Her owners were retired law enforcement officers from a Sheriff’s department in Florida who now have a dairy farm in Ohio. Livy was only four years old when we got her, which is very young for a police horse. She took to the job right away. Her first detail was a protest where she had to lead our unit through a large crowd. She did her job flawlessly and has become one of our best horses.
Milo
In 2023 - 14 year old Draft Cross
Milo was donated by a woman who was a fox hunter. For whatever reason, Milo did not like fox hunting and would give her a hard time. Since donating the horse to the unit, Milo has excelled and been a great addition. He has unique “gruella” markings, which are zebra like stripes on his legs, and a dorsal stripe on his back, which makes him the flashy movie star of the barn.
Happy
In 2023 - 13 year old Belgian Gelding
Happy and his sister, Honey, were brother and sister best friends. The duo was donated by a farmer from Butler County under one condition - that we would keep them together. We did just that and they became popular members of our detail. When they were together, they looked and walked like identical twins until recently when Honey passed away.
Mackie
In 2023 - 15 year old Clydesdale Mare
Mackie was donated in June of 2019 by a woman in Pittsburgh. The woman had owned Mackie since she was 2 years old. She chose to donate her to the department because she would be able to visit with and groom her from time to time. Before coming to the County Police, Mackie was used as a therapy horse for children with intellectual challenges.
Jimbo
In 2023 - 10 year old Percheron Gelding
Jimbo is one of the largest horses in the County Police stables. He was purchased through a donation from Jim Kudis, the President of Allegheny Petroleum which is headquartered in Wilmerding, PA. Jimbo was named after Mr. Kudis by his daughter, Barbara. Jimbo came from the same dairy farm in Ohio as Livy.
Cappy
In 2023 - 17 year old Percheron/Paint Mix Gelding
Cappy (renamed from Guiness) was donated from a private owner after PO Spinneweber had private riding lessons on him.
Brando
In 2023 - 19 year old Percheron Draft Gross Gelding
Brando was donated from a private owner. He is a "Lazarus" of sorts. He was originally slated to be euthanized but recovered well enough to take an early retirement. Then he made full recovery and returned to active status!