Pa. police department swears in mini horse to its force
A borough in Lancaster County was looking to improve its police-community relations and swore in a new police officer to carry out that mission — a 330-pound miniature horse.
On Aug. 2, Officer McGillicuddy was sworn into the Quarryville Police Department as a “community relations specialist.”
Quarryville Mayor Anthony Cavallaro said adding the mini horse to the department is part of an effort to improve relationships between residents and police officers. He said he believes Quarryville is one of the only police departments in the country to swear in a mini horse.
“I am all about community policing and this is how to break that barrier between the police and community,” said Cavallaro.
He said the mini horse is a big hit with young children. Cavallaro said Officer McGillicuddy doesn’t give rides to anyone, but he does enjoy being petted. He stands at 2 1/2 feet tall.
The mini horse even has a police outfit that was made special for him, and he is comfortable wearing a police cap.
“The kids love it, and that is really what this is all about,” said Cavallaro.
Ryan Deto is a TribLive reporter covering politics, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County news. A native of California’s Bay Area, he joined the Trib in 2022 after spending more than six years covering Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh City Paper, including serving as managing editor. He can be reached at rdeto@triblive.com.
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