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GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT MOUNTED UNIT
HISTORY
The use of horses by the Galveston Police Department dates back to 1927 until the 1950’s. The Galveston Police Mounted Unit was reestablished in 1988 to serve as a supplement to the patrol division. Officer Kenneth Mack and Carmen Parker were the original officers assigned full time to the restored unit. Officers Charlie Millo and Joe Salinas served as reserve Mounties. These officers received training courtesy of the Houston Police Department. The riding academy was indeed challenging to both rider and mount. To help get the unit started, the Houston Police Department donated a thoroughbred named Jerry and an Appaloosa named Leo. Officers Mack, Parker, along with their four legged partners were well received by the community. The Mounties no doubt are a high profile deterrent for crime and are more approachable than their counterparts in a patrol car. The Galveston Police Mounted Unit became a pioneer in community policing, patrolling neighborhoods plagued with gangs, drug activity and prostitution. These officers formed a collaborative partnership with the residents to combat the neighborhood problems. As a result of their efforts, the Mounties helped to provide safer neighborhoods and improved the overall quality of life within their community. Unfortunately, in February 1994, the Galveston Police Department’s Mounted Unit was disbanded by then Chief Dale Rogers, due to budgetary constraints. A reserve mounted unit was then established. RESERVE MOUNTED UNIT The Galveston Police Mounted Unit is comprised of the following officers: Chief Kenneth Mack Sgt. Carmen Parker Officer Jeffery Wyers Officer Jerry Netherton Officer Bobby Johnson Officer John Blackwell Officer Tracy Mathews
Despite having to incur the cost of horses, veterinarian care, feed, equipment, stable and maintenance, these dedicated officers continue to maintain the mounted unit at the expense of each mounted officer. No funding is provided by the City of Galveston, other than the use of a police truck and trailer. The mounted unit is activated for crowd control for such major events as Mardi Gras, Beach Party, Lone Star Motorcycle Rally and parades. Mounties have also provided security for dignitaries such as the President of China who visited the Texas A & M University in Bryan, College Station. Galveston Police Mounties have also participated in numerous ceremonial services, to include the Texas Peace Officer’s Memorial Service on the ground of the State Capital. DONATIONSIf you are interested in making a donation to the Galveston Police Mounted Unit, please send your contributions to: Galveston Police Department C/O Sgt. Carmen Parker 5301 Ave S Galveston, Texas 77551 (409) 797-3830 office Make checks payable to: Galveston Police Mounted Patrol Thank you for your support! |
