Richland County’s Mounted Deputy Unit uses horses to patrol special events and membership is open for new recruits. The unit patrols a number of Richland County events including the county fair and the Rock N’ Ribs festival. They also patrol at Heritage Days at Malabar Farms and attend safety days at elementary schools.
All deputies and members of the unit are advised to attain the Buckeye State Mounted Deputy Association training. The training educates the deputy on how to react to situations that involve danger to the horse and the deputy. Training fees and uniforms are covered by the unit if the trainee is a member of Richland County’s Mounted Deputy Unit.
However, mounted deputies do not carry a firearm, but do have the right and responsibility to detain persons who break laws at the special events. While patrolling at area events is a valuable safety service their activities are not limited to patrol duties. They also patrol at parades like the Hall of Fame parade in Canton and the Delaware All-Horse Parade.
All breeds of horses are accepted, however, according to Sergeant Patt Britt, “Some horses are not up for the demands of the job. That is why the training is so recommended. It helps determine if the horse can tolerate the patrols or not.” Only geldings and mares are accepted. Stallions are not accepted for patrol in the Mounted Deputy Unit.
To become a member of the Richland County Mounted Deputy Unit call 419-631-0106. More information can be found by clicking here.