Kendall County Sheriff's Office Adds Mounted Patrol Unit

Submitted by the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office has added an auxiliary mounted patrol unit. The unit is comprised of three deputies and their horses that can be used to patrol parks and neighborhoods. Mounted deputies may be seen at large spectator events throughout the county. They work closely with the Kendall County Emergency Management Agency and are particularly effective in conducting missing person searches, especially in wooded terrain that inhibits the use of vehicles. The unit functions as a result of community support and generosity, with volunteers providing the horses, stable maintenance and horse care.

The Mounted Patrol Unit is currently staffed by three deputies. They are Auxiliary Deputy Cindy Benson, Auxiliary Deputy Terry Benson and Part-Time Deputy Cherese Spears. On June 29t, the three deputies were sworn into service by Sheriff Dwight A. Baird at the Ellis House and Equestrian Center. Sheriff Baird said, “We are always looking for ways to expand our public safety service and create partnerships with our residents. The auxiliary mounted deputies will greatly enhance service to our remote areas in the county and our forest preserve areas. The auxiliary mounted deputies led by Terry Benson, Cindy Benson and Cherese Spears will lead this group of volunteers to train and prepare them for public safety service.”

Collectively, the three deputies have 97 years of riding experience. Deputy Cherese Spears is also a full-time Oswego police officer who has served since 2003. Deputy Cherese Spears rides a 20-year-old Paint named JoJo. Deputy Cindy Benson rides a 13-year-old mule named Reba. Deputy Terry Benson rides a 7-year-old Bayon Quarter horse named Koda. The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office will be sharing photographs of the deputies and their horses on its Facebook page over the next several weeks.