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The Huntington Mounted Police Unit was created in 1989 to fight crime and protect the citizens of Huntington, as well as serve as a visible and friendly addition to the quality and image of the Huntington Community. Since its inception, the Unit has grown from two officers and two horses to five specially trained officers and four horses. This unique and highly visiblemethod of police patrol always receives wide and positive public attention andsupport. It has proven to be an effective form of police presence and hassupplemented our patrol efforts in areas difficult to access by conventionalpatrol methods. The officer riding high on horseback is able to see and beseen, thereby acting as a crime deterrent. The horse is the perfect crowdcontrol tool because it provides the officer with the ability to move into,through and around a crowd in a safe manner for both the officer and thepublic. The officers regularly patrol Ritter Park and downtown Huntington. Many times during the year, the unit participates in extra assignments, including the Regatta, local and regional parades and charity events. The unit also serves as additional security for the large crowds at Marshall University football games. With the exception of the officer's salaries, all expenses for the Mounted Police Unit are paid through donations. Horses are donated to the Mounted Police Unit, and their care--including feed, farrier fees, veterinary costs, traveling expenses, equipment and other upkeep--is mainly funded through the donations to the Commission. Commission members give time and energy to raise the funding needed to keep the Mounted Unit Riding. The Huntington Area Mounted Police Commission is a group of dedicated individuals who work to ensure the financial success of the Unit. The commission meets at 5:00 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in the mayor's conference room in City Hall. You can contact the Mounted Police Unit at (304) 696-4402. Meet our horses!  |