News.bytes Extra, issue 375

Police department mustang works, parades

Joaquin, a four-year-old mustang, and Rick Wagner are officers with the Garden Grove Police Department, part of the Orange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit. The Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU) is an integral part of County-Wide Special Operations. The unit offers high-profile patrol to the parks, beaches and special events throughout Orange County. (text continues below)

Rick and Joaquin on patrol outside the Honda Center in Anaheim

Sergeant Rick Wagner fits Joaquin with his patrol mask

Joaquin works out with his "buddy bopper"

Joaquin's Police Department Badge:

Rick and Joaquin took part in the Swallows Day Parade March 21 in San Jaun Capistrano. Lucky for Rick, Joaquin's first adopter was an older rancher who had trouble mounting from the ground, so he trained the mustang to step-up next to him at the sound of a kiss. So, Rick can be standing anywhere, such as on a step, a fence or a truck and with a kiss for Joaquin, this mustang walks over to Rick and waits for him to get on board. 

Joaquin poses for his portrait before taking part in the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano

- Rick Wagner, JoAnn_Schiffer-Burdett, 3/09

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 375