The Fullerton Police Department recently added a unique and valuable asset to their force with the introduction of five new members – Zorro, Bodie, Bandito, Opus, and Blazer. These members are not your typical officers; they are horses who make up the newly formed mounted unit. This addition to the department is expected to play a vital role in policing the city of Fullerton, known for its extensive trails that are popular among hikers, joggers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
The mounted unit was officially introduced to the public during the city’s July 4 celebration, where Fullerton Police Sgt. Manny Pulido showcased his mount, Bodie. Alongside Pulido, four other Fullerton officers make up the agency’s new Mounted Unit, each with their own horse to patrol the city. Officer George Peterson, Cpl. Josh Manes, Sgt. Manny Pulido, and Det. Daniel Chiodini complete the inaugural team of riders, each responsible for owning and caring for their horse at their own expense.
Captain Jose Arana, who oversees the mounted unit, highlighted the importance of using horses as a high-visibility enforcement tactic for special events involving large crowds. The decision to form the mounted unit was met with support from elected officials, City Council members, and the mayor, leading to the allocation of funding for a horse trailer and a truck to kickstart the program.
In organizing the unit, Captain Arana sought input from neighboring police departments and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, all of which have mounted patrol units. The horses selected for the unit are older and known for their calm demeanor, making them suitable for the responsibilities of a mounted officer.
The mounted unit’s duties include searching for suspects, locating missing persons, and conducting homeless outreach. Additionally, the unit will join the Orange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit, a collaborative effort between various law enforcement agencies in the county. This regional unit, with over 60 mounted officers, patrols trails, beaches, wilderness areas, and provides crowd control at high-profile events throughout Orange County.
As the presidential election approaches, Captain Arana anticipates the mounted unit being called upon to maintain order at political rallies, which have seen violence in the past in Orange County. The unit’s presence has proven effective in restoring order during chaotic situations, such as the protest outside a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Costa Mesa in 2016.
The public will have the opportunity to meet the officers and horses of Fullerton’s new Mounted Unit at the Police Department’s National Night Out event on August 6 at the Downtown Fullerton Plaza. This event will allow community members to interact with the officers and their equine partners, fostering a stronger bond between law enforcement and the public.
