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Law enforcement
Scottsdale Police horse, Tug, dies
Tug primarily patrolled Old Town on the weekends
Posted
A horse a part of the Scottsdale Police Department's mounted unit has passed away due to a health issue at the age of 20, officials announced via social media.
Tug, one of the department's longtime horses used for patrolling and department duties.
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce our Mounted Unit said goodbye to their beloved horse Tug as he passed away on April 14th, 2022," official said on social media.
Tug reportedly suffered from an incapacitating health issue and was humanely laid to rest surrounded by all who loved him.
Tug was a blue-roan Percheron - Quarter Horse cross born March 17, 2002. He began his career with the SPD Mounted Unit on April 11, 2008. After extensive training, Tug primarily patrolled the Old Town Scottsdale Entertainment District on weekend nights.
His other accomplishments included patrolling various events in Scottsdale and surrounding cities including WM Phoenix Open, Super Bowl XLIX and Fiesta Bowl block parties, Chase Field baseball games, Cactus Bowl, BCS Championship, various memorial and celebration services throughout the valley including Veteran’s Day ceremonies and New Year’s Eve.
Pictured: Tug worked at numerous events and throughout the Valley of the Sun community for many years. (Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Police Department.)
He participated in Mounted Unit demonstrations, attended numerous school visits, walked in several Parada del Sol parades, and was part of the team for dignitary visits. Sergeants and officers who had the honor of working with Tug were Kevin Watts, Ed Chrisman, Aaron Bolin, Daniel Garcia Jr, Tyler Johnson, Tim Wesloski, Lottie Kimball, and Keegan DeShotel.
“Tug’s big personality will surely be missed. He was a steadfast police horse and did well in crowd control situations. He was affectionate with the people who cared for him and loved playing in the mud when it would rain. Tug always told us when it was time to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (even when it wasn’t time) by using one of his front hooves to gently clang his stall fence,” the social media post stated.
“Tug will be greatly missed by members of the unit, department, and the community he loved serving for the 14 years he was with us. Tug is the first police horse in SPD history to have passed away while still in service.”
