Providence police mourn death of 'ambassador' Clydesdale horse

The Providence police lost "a magnificent ambassador" with the death of a horse that served in its mounted command bureau.

Salute, a Clydesdale, patrolled the city with his partner, Patrolman Jose Mendez, for six years, the police said in a Facebook post announcing the horse's death.

"Salute had a striking presence and stood at an incredible 21 hands tall and weighed 2,200 pounds," the police said. "His gentle presence and friendly demeanor was endearing to our handlers and police officers and, most importantly, to the countless citizens who met Salute on his daily patrols throughout the City of Providence."

Along with patrolling, Salute and Mendez, "who shared an unbreakable bond," marched in parades and funerals and met children and adults during public during tours of the department's mounted command stables and during community events, according to the post.

"Salute was a remarkable animal and worker and he especially enjoyed interacting with children throughout his many assignments within the Patrol Bureau at various events and at city parks and playgrounds. His favorite treat was apples and carrots," the police said.

The mounted command is located at Roger Williams Park, where four police officers and six civilians provide care for the horses, according to the department's website. It's under the command of Sgt. Steven E. Courville.

The facility is open to group tours by appointment Monday through Friday. It regularly hosts students from schools throughout Rhode Island, as well as Scout Troops and 4-H clubs, according to the website. The unit can be reached at (401) 243-6042.

The unit is funded through the city's budget, but the horses are acquired through donations, accepted into the command after being vetted for their temperament and bravery, according to the website.

Salute was born at Grant's Farm in St. Louis on Memorial Day 2013 and donated to the Providence Police Department by McLaughlin & Moran, Inc., according to the Facebook post.

The horse is survived by four stablemates, Charlie, Reilly, Thunder and Prince, who are also Clydesdales, according to the Facebook post.

"Salute will be forever missed," the post says. "May he rest in peace."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Ambassador' Clydesdale horse for Providence Police Department dies