The NSW Police Force will hold a blessing and dedication of the new Mounted Unit Memorial Wall and commemoration garden in Redfern today.
The NSW Police Mounted Unit is recognised as the oldest continuous mounted law enforcement unit in the world.
The new Memorial Wall is part of a $1 million funding package to conduct renovations of buildings and stables within the Mounted Unit site at Redfern.
The Mounted Unit has been housed at Redfern since 1907 and was last upgraded 27 years ago.
The Wall will recognise the service of the Troop Horses who have died on duty while being operational at the Redfern complex.
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said the Mounted Unit’s Troop Horses are rightly respected and honoured by both the Force and the community of NSW.
“We are justifiably proud to honour our Troop Horses: they’ve been serving and protecting the people of NSW for 198 years,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“This Memorial Wall will eventually record those Troop Horses which have died on duty since the unit moved here 116 years ago,” he said.
At the time of its dedication, the Memorial Wall will feature the names of the 15 Troop Horses since 1975 who have died in service; some of the horses had been in service for up to 15 years.
Commander of the Dog and Mounted Units, Superintendent Julian Griffiths, said the new Wall will be a visible, physical reminder of these special horses.
“Not only does this demonstrate to visitors here how we respect and honour our Troop Horses, but it stands as a physical acknowledgement of their importance to the sworn and unsworn officers of the Mounted Unit who work closely with the Troop Horses on a daily basis.
Since the renovations began, we’ve lost two serving Troop Horses, Troop Horse Martin, a 13-year-old Bay Gelding Thoroughbred passed away on Monday 13 June 2022.
On 8 February 2023, Troop Horse Hero, a 7-year-old Shire Cross also passed away. Both Troop Horses having served the NSW Police Force for two years prior to their death.
Today’s event will include a blessing by NSW Police Chaplain, Reverend Suzanne Avery and tours of the newly completed stable complexes as well as a Mounted Unit display.
A memorial wall at the Police Academy in Goulburn recognises all the horses and dogs who have died on duty.
