DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – The two “mane” attractions of the Green Bay Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit have a new home.
Male horses, Casey and Little Joe, arrived at Exceptional Equestrians in De Pere on Monday where they will be boarded and utilized as therapy animals as part of the partnership.
Lisa Kafka, executive director and riding instructor at the non-profit organization, is excited about the collaboration.
“We are going to offer the use of our horses for training of officers for public events and then, in return, Casey and Little Joe will be used as therapeutic riding horses as well,” said Kafka.
Exceptional Equestrians helps people age 2 and up with a wide spectrum of conditions such as cerebral palsy, paralysis, Down syndrome, among other conditions to families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.
Lt. Dave Wesely says the partnership is perfect.
“You couldn’t have dreamed of a better scenario where two partners come together, with like-minded goals and that with helping with kids.”
The mounted patrol unit consists of 10 officers and 2 horses but the department would eventually like up to 6 horses.
Wesely says the public’s reaction to the patrol has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It gives the officers the chance to interact with people in our community as well,” Wesely said. “Last year we tried hitting all of the high schools at the lunch period. So, we would just show up at lunchtime and the kids would come out of the school and they’d come up and engage with the officers. That’s what we’re looking for…building those relationships.”
Before the officers “get back on the horse,” they will be in training, as will Casey and Little Joe, after a long winter.
The public will see the unit strut their stuff on Green Bay streets starting in May.
