It all came from an idea floated at a meeting of the working group for the South Simcoe Police’s 20th Anniversary celebration. It was suggested that a Mounted Unit would be a nice addition, in a ceremonial capacity, of course.
With the assistance of Briarwood Farms in King Township, South Simcoe Police are in the saddle. Two horses are owned by Briarwood Farm and provided to South Simcoe Police for community events throughout the year. Generous sponsors within the community have stepped up to cover the cost of the unit.
Four interested members of the service were identified, then assessed and trained in handling and riding the horses. All of the candidates did have previous riding experience. They include Constable Jacqueline Beaulieu, Constable Terri McCallum, Constable Graeme Harbottle and Auxiliary Constable Jacqueline Papel.
After training with Briarwood, the Mounted Unit made their debut at Innisfil Town Hall on Tuesday, April 18, as Chief Andrew Fletcher assumed command from retiring Chief Rick Beazley.
The unit had tremendous success in it’s debut year. Auxiliary Constable Jacqueline Papel travelled to Philadelphia in the fall of 2017 to participate in the North American Police Equestrian Championship where she placed second overall in the Equitation category.
