Page 4 - March 2017

Worcester PD Mounts Up

On a sunny day last month that hinted at the coming spring, seven Worcester Police officers proudly rode
their new “cruisers” into the training corral at the State Police Mounted Unit’s headquarters in Acton. The WPD
officers were riding the MSP horses on which they had undergone a 10-week training to become the city police
department’s first mounted unit in seven decades.
The Worcester officers, under the command of Lt. Joseph Ashe, were trained by the State Police Mounted Unit
on basic riding skills and care for the animals. The Worcester unit’s duties are expected to begin around Memorial
Day.
“When we started training, most of us had never been on a horse,” WPD Officer Michael Dowd told Worcester
Magazine. “We had to learn from the ground up.”
Worcester Chief Steve Sargent added: “I believe this unit will establish itself as an undeniable asset to this
department and the community it serves.”
The State Police Mounted Unit was thrilled with the progress made by their students from Worcester, and
reminded those gathered for the graduation ceremony that mounted officers are a valuable tool for connecting
with the public.
“A mounted police officer and their horse are loved by every young child and parent they encounter,” MSP Sgt.
Jack Linquata said. “I’ve never seen a group of kids surround a motorcycle and ask if they can pet the motorcycle.”
Special recognition was given to Sgt. Maureen Wesinger-Lewis, the commander of the MSP’s Mounted Unit, for
her vision and initiative in bringing the training of the Worcester unit to fruition.
The MSP wishes the Worcester Police Mounted Unit many years of success and safety. We know they will be a
great contribution to the city they serve.

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