Meet Providence's Newest Equine Police Officers

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence Police Department's Mounted Command gained five new officers on Thursday. Salute, Chase, Thunder, Jed and Prince were welcomed by a crowd of state officals to their new home at Roger Williams Park, where they will be stabled and trained. The five Clydesdale horses were donated to the department by McLaughlin & Moran, Inc., a local beverage distributor.

"The horses of our mounted command unit are some of our most versatile public safety assets — not only do they support our uniformed police officers during large public events, but they also serve as terrific ambassadors for the Providence Police Department," said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. "I'd like to thank McLaughlin & Moran, for their generous donation and continued support of one of Providence's most unique and beloved programs."

McLaughlin & Moran paid for the horses and will also fund their training going forward. Providence Police Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. thanked the business and said the new horses "will serve as valuable contributors to our community policing efforts."

"It is an honor to donate these magnificent Clydesdales to the Providence Police Department’s Mounted Command," said Terry Moran, president, McLaughlin & Moran, Inc. "The horses of the Mounted Command are true ambassadors for the Providence Police Department and the City of Providence as a whole. Salute, Thunder, Chase, Prince and Jed have many exciting years of service ahead of them, and we know that they will represent the city well in their time on the Command."

The mounted command consists of four officers, three civilians and eight horses. Each of the officers, Douglas Gould, Antonio Laranjo, Daniel Famiglietti and Jose Mendez, are experienced riders with training in community policing.

"Members of the Mounted Command work in various capacities throughout the city ranging from clearing unruly crowds at club closings to working with community groups, schools, children with special needs and the elderly," Col. Clements said. "The Providence Police Department is truly grateful for the donation of these horses as they play an instrumental role within the department and community."

Meet the new equine officers:

Salute

The five-year-old horse stands at 20 hands and weighs 2,000 pounds. He is described as "solid, dependable and intelligent. Salute is very friendly around children and is comfortable in a wide range of situations.

Chase

Chase is six years old, 18 hands tall and weighs 1,800 pounds. He has been assigned to Officer Famiglietti. The pair will greet children, patrol the Roger Williams Park and Federal Hill areas among other assignments on his way to becoming a full-fledged member of the department.

Thunder

Thunder is being trained to work in Roger Williams Park and the Washington Park neighborhood. He is five years old, 18 hands high and weighs 1,800 pounds. The department said he "shows promise to be a solid police horse as he is confident, friendly and brave."

Jed

Jed is seven years old, 18 hands high and weighs 1,900 pounds. The gentle horse is always on his best behavior and is being trained for future police work.

Prince

Prince is the youngest of the new additions at three years old. He stands 17.2 hands high and weighs 1,600 pounds. The Providence Police Department said he is "curious, bright and is a quick learner," and he is also being trained for future police assignments.