DSP Mounted Patrol Unit Receives Trailer From Kent County Levy Court

Dover, DE – In a small ceremony held Tuesday September 15, 2015, representatives from Kent County Levy Court as well as troopers from the Mounted Patrol Unit were on hand to see the newly purchased 2015 Adam custom made four horse gooseneck trailer with extended tack room that will be utilized to haul the unit’s steeds.

In September 2014 Kent County Levy Court awarded grant monies to the Delaware State Police, Municipal Police Departments throughout Kent County, and the Capital Police. The state police were awarded $75,000 and decided to use the funds for a four horse trailer and truck, in support of the Mounted Patrol Unit. It was agreed that Kent County would do the invitations to bid for the truck and trailer, make the purchase and turn it over to the Delaware State Police. Delwood Trailer Sales Inc. was awarded the bid and after the purchase, including tags and title, the total amount of the trailer was $36,020.

The remaining funds after the horse trailer was purchased, tagged and titled and the direct cost related to bidding were paid were issued by Levy Court in a check to the Delaware State Police to purchase a 2015 Ford 350 pick-up truck to pull the trailer. These funds were supplemented with funds from the state to make up the difference.

The Mounted Patrol Unit has been seen at many different venues and developments throughout Kent County this past year. FireFly, Big Barrel, Delaware Junction, and the Delaware State Fair have been a few events that the horses and troopers have greeted patrons. They have also been seen interacting with residents as they patrolled the neighborhoods of Capitol Park, Meadowbrook, and the surrounding areas of Dover Air Park.

The unit, which is continuing to grow, consists of one full-time trooper and four part-time troopers all whom maintain their proficiency of riding the mounts through the Pennsylvania State Police Tactical Mounted Unit.

Currently the horses are stabled at Wellspring Farm at Bellevue State Park, north of Wilmington but will soon be moved to a newly built stable located on the grounds of James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna.

The horses assigned to the unit are as follows:

Arthur - 12 year old Shire; gray gelding
Leo - 13 year old Percheron; black gelding
Cassel - 10 year old Percheron; gray gelding
Finnegan - 5 year old Percheron; black gelding
JR – 10 year old Percheron; black gelding