Plymouth, MA

Plymouth Police "Mounted Unit" is Disbanding: Where Will The Horses Go?

Dianna Carney

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"Clancy," "Chopper," "Camden," and "Pelle" w/ their riders on Water Street (June/2010)Photo byPlymouth Police Department

(PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS) On Sunday, March 19th, the Plymouth Police Department announced that due to a number of reasons, they would be disbanding the Mounted Unit.

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Plymouth Police Mounted Unit at the "Boys and Girls Club" (Sept/2010)Photo byPlymouth Police Department

What Is The Mounted Unit?

According to the Plymouth Police Department, the mounted unit was created in 2010 through a partnership with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. The Plymouth Police officers have received advanced instruction in equestrian law enforcement. These officers conducted patrols in the Plymouth downtown area, Plymouth public parks, and at high profile events.

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Plymouth Police Mounted Unit on patrol (3/July/10)Photo byPlymouth Police Department

"The horses and their trained riders bring an additional layer of security to large scale events and are extremely useful in accessing areas off the beaten path, such as shoreline searches. Don’t be surprised to see the unit patrolling the Plymouth Waterfront with Plymouth Police, at parades or safety days within your community." - Plymouth County Sheriff's Department
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Plymouth Police Mounted Unit on Waterfront with Police Chief Botieri and Plymouth County Sheriff McDonald.Photo byPlymouth County Sheriffs Department

Where Did The Horses Come From?

Some of the horses that were part of the original 2010 team came from the Boston Police Department after they disbanded their mounted unit in June 2009. At the time, the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department explained that "four of the horses are now enjoying life at the Plymouth County Farm and training with our deputies."

Where Did The Mounted Unit Live?

The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department explains on its website that the Plymouth County Farm has been home to the department’s Mounted Unit since 1982.

What Will Happen To The Horses?

Over the past few years, the Facebook page 'Friends of Plymouth Police and Plymouth County Sheriff Mounted Unit' has been tracking the retirement of horses who were part of the original eight draft horses that are housed at the Plymouth County Farm. Last year, the horse Will retired; although there was no word on where he is spending his retirement, it's most likely going to be near his friend Tobias!

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Pictured left to right, Officer Ciavarra on Tony, Officer Reissfelder on Andy and Officer LaPollo on TobiasPhoto byPlymouth Police Department

It was announced that Tobias, a member of the mounted unit, will be retiring this week. The Plymouth Police Department revealed that Officer Greg Lapollo will be taking him on his last patrol ride on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. The Plymouth Police Department has revealed details so the public can come to say goodbye to Tobias before his retirement begins.

"Officer Greg Lapollo will be taking his last ride on Tobias this Tuesday from 1030-230 Downtown and on the Waterfront. Tobias will be on his “final patrol” and he’s officially being retired. During most of their patrol, Officer Lapollo and Tobias will be staged at the area between the rock and the Mayflower for final demonstrations, and pictures. Don’t worry about Tobias, he already has an incredible retirement property all lined up with incredible apple and hay restaurants nearby!" - Plymouth Police Department
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Plymouth Police Mounted UnitPhoto byPlymouth Police Department

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