LANCASTER, Pa. — There were smiles and tears at the horse stables in Long’s Park — as people came to say goodbye to Lancaster City's favorite four-legged officers.
Police horses Jake, King, and Angus are on to new pastures — after Lancaster City cut its mounted police unit, due to cost-cutting measures. The mounted police unit has been a staple within the department for more than 40 years.
Dozens of people said they'll miss interacting with Lancaster's police horses throughout the city.
“It’s not going to be the same, they’re going to be missed," said Kathy Thorne, who lives in Lancaster.
Thorne said she formed a special bond with Jake, who would stop by her office in downtown Lancaster on a regular basis.
“[Jake] would come by the branch and peak his head in for me, and the girls would jump up and say, ‘Jake is here,'" said Thorne. "He wouldn’t move forward until I came to the door and fed him a popsicle. It was one of his favorites.”
Parents at Long's Park said the three horses brought more police visibility to families and children in Lancaster.
“Obviously, when you see them out in the community, they have a presence and they’re huge," said Megan Dancause. "I think it’s crucial for everyone to see their visibility, whether you’re two or 34.”
Lancaster mounted officers will merge with other patrol units within the department. The police department is also working to make sure Jake, King, and Angus find good homes.
“We are in the process of placing them and I’m not going to let them go just anywhere," said Officer Scott McDonald.