The Providence Police Department has expanded its Mounted Command Unit with the addition of two draft horses, officials announced. The new mounts — Spencer, a 4-year-old dark bay Clydesdale, and Mick, a 5-year-old Belgian draft — will join officers in patrol and community engagement duties across the city.
Donor pays for new mounts
The department said the acquisitions were paid for through the generosity of a private supporter. According to a news release, Terry Moran — described by the department as a longtime supporter — purchased both horses on behalf of the City of Providence. Spencer was named after Moran’s new grandson.
Role of the mounted unit
In its statement, the department underscored the mounted unit’s place in its community policing work. The Mounted Command, the release said, is among the most visible tools the department uses to connect with residents while supporting public safety.
"The Mounted Command remains one of the most visible and effective tools we have for connecting with the community while enhancing public safety," Col. Oscar L. Perez said in the release. "Spencer and Mick will help us continue that mission by supporting patrol operations, special events, and community engagement efforts throughout Providence."
Mounted officers in Providence, the release noted, provide a highly visible and approachable presence that department officials say helps strengthen relationships between officers and neighbors. The statement added that the unit supports public safety at events and in neighborhoods across the city.
What this means locally
For Providence residents, the additions mean more mounted patrol capacity at parades, festivals and neighborhood engagements where a large, visible law-enforcement presence is both practical and symbolic. The horses can help crowd management at major events and create informal opportunities for officers and residents to talk, the department said.
- Spencer — 4-year-old dark bay Clydesdale
- Mick — 5-year-old Belgian draft
- Purchased by donor Terry Moran for the City of Providence
The announcement frames the new horses as an extension of community-policing efforts already underway in Providence. By adding draft breeds to the unit, the department increases the range of mounts available for public duties.
| Horse | Age | Breed |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer | 4 | Clydesdale |
| Mick | 5 | Belgian draft |
Department leaders thanked Terry Moran for the donation and emphasized the unit’s continuing role in fostering positive interactions at community gatherings and in everyday neighborhood patrols. The horses are expected to appear at upcoming public events and in patrol operations throughout Providence, according to the release.
