MILWAUKEE COUNTY

The 'alpha horse' of MPD's mounted patrol unit is retiring after 19 years, will be cared for by former partner

Jordyn Noennig
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee police horse Prince has retired after 19 years of service

Milwaukee police horse Prince is spending his days relaxing on a bed of warm hay after retiring from a 19-year career with the Milwaukee Police Department.

According to the MPD Mounted Patrol Foundation, Prince has retired to a new home where he will be cared for by Officer Stephen White, his partner for 15 years. 

The 22-year-old horse was the alpha of the 12-pack MPD mounted patrol.

"We are waiting to see who takes over the leadership role now that he is gone," said Sgt. Logan Jeffery, who is in charge of the mounted patrol unit. 

Age is a big factor in determining if a horse is ready to retire, along with physical condition.

"When a horse gets older and cannot move as well as he once could have, we evaluate how well he is able to patrol and do his job. If he can no longer perform, but is in otherwise good health, retirement is the next option," Jeffery said. 

The mounted patrol unit is looking forward to moving into its new Bay View stable in February. Prince will not be replaced until they work through the move.

Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee.  Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.