Clyde, Beloved Police Mount And OCSD Retiree, Passes Away

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Clyde, the beloved Police Service Horse, of the Orange County Sheriff's Department Mounted Unit passed away Monday, Oct. 1, they reported. Clyde had a six year history with the department, where he retired earlier this year, but his work as a work horse was long and storied, according to OCSD spokesperson Carrie Braun.

"Clyde, a Percheron Draft Horse, worked many long and hard years as an Amish plow horse," she told us over Twitter. Reserve Lt. Doug Williams rescued Clyde in the spring of 2012.

"After his initial training, Clyde became a valued member of the Mounted Enforcement Unit for six and a half years," she said. Over his years of service in Orange County, Clyde and Doug interacted with thousands of children and adults, she said. "Clyde was a fearless gentle giant, and readily accepted his new assignment (for OCSD."

He worked numerous protests and incidents involving civil unrest, as well as "on patrol assignments."

Unfortunately, according to Braun, his long years of hard service pulling plows took their toll with degenerative changes and severe arthritis.

All of the Mounted Enforcement Unit mourns his passing.

"Clyde will be fondly remembered and missed by his partner, Reserve Lt. Dough Williams, who is planning to retire, as well as the men and women who had the honor of working with him," Braun said. "Clyde, we thank you for your service."

OCSD photos