Summertime brings a lot of opportunities to enjoy fun and music outdoors in Downtown Milwaukee. Whether it's Jazz in the Park, River Rhythms or at one of downtowns many parades, you may have noticed the Milwaukee Police Department's Horse Patrol roaming around. After a little research, I found out a few fun facts about this special unit (thanks Urban Milwaukee). "Milwaukee's original Mounted Police Patrol began service in 1929 with four used horses from the U.S. Army Cavalry. The unit was disbanded in 1948. In 1996, two Milwaukee Police officers reassembled a horse unit and used it at high-profile events in the city."
I met up with Officer John Pederson at Pere Marquette Park to learn more about the MPD Horse patrol, what drew him to working on this special unit and how they are able to make real connections with people in the city.
Click the story player above the photos to hear my interview with Officer Pederson.
