Lorain County Revives Mounted Police Unit with New Equine Deputy

The sheriff's office welcomes its first horse in decades, aiming to boost public safety and community engagement.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's gloved hand gently stroking the mane of a horse, the animal's eye reflected in the shiny black leather, conceptually representing the connection between law enforcement and the community through the addition of this new mounted unit member.A new equine deputy joins the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, signaling a return to the department's mounted unit roots and a commitment to community engagement.Elyria Today

The Lorain County Sheriff's Office has revived its mounted police unit for the first time since the 1960s, welcoming a new equine deputy through community donations. The horse will enhance the department's crowd control and search capabilities, while also serving as an approachable way for deputies to connect with residents, especially children and families.

Why it matters

Mounted police units have long been valued for their ability to provide a higher vantage point for monitoring large gatherings and their calming presence in tense situations. This new addition represents Lorain County's investment in both public safety and community engagement.

The details

The Lorain County Sheriff's Office announced the arrival of its first horse since the 1960s, made possible through community donations. The new equine deputy will be used for crowd control, search operations, and community outreach, providing deputies a unique way to interact with residents.

  • The mounted unit was revived on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The horse has not yet been named, but an announcement is expected soon.

The players

Lorain County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency in Lorain County, Ohio that has revived its mounted police unit.

Jack M. Hall

The sheriff of Lorain County who announced the new equine addition to the department.

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What they’re saying

“Our mounted unit is a direct reflection of the strong partnership we share with our community and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to make this possible. This horse will not only enhance our ability to ensure public safety at large events and in crowd management situations, but it will also serve as a unique and approachable way for our deputies to connect with residents. It's an investment in both safety and community engagement.”

— Jack M. Hall, Sheriff

What’s next

The sheriff's office plans to officially name the new equine deputy in the coming days.

The takeaway

Lorain County's revival of its mounted police unit demonstrates the ongoing value that horses can provide to law enforcement, both in terms of operational capabilities and community relations. This investment reflects the department's commitment to public safety and engagement with local residents.