Patrol Horse Jack set to Retire

Effective April 30, 2013, the Palm Springs Police Department will be retiring one of the horses assigned to its Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU). Jack Daniels was the first horse purchased by the Department when the unit was formed in 1995 and is the last remaining horse from the original group. With no actual registration papers, it is estimated that Jack, a dark brown Appendix American Quarter Horse, is approximately 25 years old. His temperament, confidence and curiosity made him the ideal police horse. Over the last 18 years, Jack has been ridden in countless parades and events, delighting children, offering crowd control support to officers on the ground and proudly representing the City of Palm Springs. Twice he has served in memorial ceremonies as the "Riderless Horse"; most recently at the funeral for Cathedral City Police Officer Jermaine Gibson in 2011.

Jack's retirement follows closely the retirement of his long-time rider, Sergeant Marc Melanson. Jack will be used to train other horses on the unit while the MEU searches for someone to adopt him. Adoption candidates will be thoroughly screened to ensure that Jack goes to a good home.

The Palm Springs Police Department MEU, currently composed of five horses and four sworn officers, is looking to replace Jack and is in need of the public's assistance to fund the purchase of a new horse; this acquisition will not be possible without their generosity. Tax-deductible donations (Tax ID# 59-3774840) should be directed to the "Palm Springs Mounted Enforcement Unit" or "MEU". Responses to inquiries regarding the MEU and access to the stables for current photographs of Jack can be provided by Sergeant Melissa Desmarais. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (760)831-1480.

For Inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.