The southwest suburban Kendall County sheriff’s office has added a mounted patrol unit, swearing in three new deputies on Monday.
Deputies Terry Benson, Cindy Benson and Cherese Spears, and their three horses, will patrol parks and neighborhoods, the Kendall County sheriff’s office said.
“The unit functions as a result of tremendous community support and generosity, with volunteers providing the horses, stable maintenance, and horse care,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement announcing the new unit.
The unit will work closely with emergency management officials, and will be particularly effective for missing person searches in wooded areas that are difficult to access by vehicle, the statement said.
The deputies collectively have about 97 years of riding experience, the sheriff’s office said. They and the horses—JoJo, Reba and Koda—will also attend large spectator events throughout the county, the sheriff’s office said.
“We are always looking for ways to expand our public safety service and create partnerships with our residents,” Sheriff Dwight Baird said in the release. “The auxiliary mounted deputies will greatly enhance service to our remote areas in the county and our forest preserve areas.”
Deputy Cindy Benson poses with Reba, a 13-year-old mule. | Kendall County sheriff’s office
Deputy Cherese Spears poses with JoJo, a 20-year-old paint. | Kendall County sheriff’s office
Deputy Terry Benson poses with Koda, a 7-year-old bayon quarter horse. | Kendall County sheriff’s office
Commander Mike Peters, Deputy Commander Joe Gillespie, Sheriff Dwight Baird, Chief Deputy Scott Koster, and Sergeant Scott Moran pose with the Kendall County sheriff’s office’s new mounted patrol unit. | Kendall County sheriff’s office
