Orange County Sheriff's Mounted Unit: A unique force in law enforcement
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - The Orange County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit has been patrolling the streets since 1984.
While their full-time unit is best known for community engagement, these deputies also have a serious role in law enforcement.
Standing on the ground, Master Deputy Lindsay Gonzalez is just 5’3", but on horseback, she and her partner, James, are an imposing force.
"On my horse, James – over 10 feet tall. Me and James together count for 10 deputies, so we’re really forceful when it comes to being a presence," said Gonzalez.
"We’re out in the community, we’re riding patrol in your neighborhoods, high-crime areas, shopping plazas, and we respond to searches for missing people and other things the sheriff’s office needs from us," she added.
With nine horses in the unit, the bond between deputy and mount is just as strong as those in the K-9 division.
"This is PC, one of our nine horses. My primary horse is Pete, but sometimes he might not stand still like this. We have a great bond with them – much like the canines. We’re with them every single day, riding them, taking them out," said Master Deputy Andrew Stephens.
And it’s that unique connection between deputies, their horses, and the community that makes mounted patrol so effective.
"The public responds to you so much differently. You have this community partnership, they have this love for our animals and want to be a part of it. There are things they’ll tell us and ask us that they wouldn’t do if you were just driving by in your police car," said Gonzalez.
A different perspective, a powerful presence, and a job that, according to these deputies, is unlike any other.
The Source: This story was written based on interviews with the Orange County Sheriff's Office conducted by FOX 35's Morgan Parrish.