LANCASTER, Pa. — Editor's note: The video above is from May 2021.
On Friday, Lancaster City Police announced the death of retired police horse, Duke of Grey.
Duke protected the streets of Lancaster for 18 years, according to the department.
The equine was just 3 years old when he arrived in Lancaster from Toronto, Canada in the fall of 2002.
Police say Duke was an Amish plow horse before he was recruited to the police force.
Throughout his career, Duke was present at many events in Lancaster and beyond—from school visits and festivals to being part of protection details for VIPs and politicians including Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Philadelphia.
He also traveled to Pittsburgh in 2009 to assist during the G20 summit.
Duke served as a trainer for new mounted officers and horses.
In 2021, Duke retired to a private farm where he spent his days swimming in a pond and hanging out with his best friend Billy.
Duke died at the age of 24.
He was cremated and his ashes will be returned to the Mounted Unit Stables.