June 27, 2010 - The Boston Globe - Globe South - By Christine Legere
You could call it trial by fireworks.
On Saturday, four Plymouth police officers will oversee White Horse Beach’s annual bonfire bash from the backs of heavily muscled draft horses that used to patrol the streets of Boston.
The mounted police will have a view of the action from about 10 feet up, giving them the jump on problems that are developing. And there will be plenty of backup support on the ground from the local police and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department personnel to help settle disputes or make arrests. Meanwhile, mounted officers can help keep crowds back if trouble begins.
Then on Sunday, the mounted police are slated to patrol the downtown and waterfront for the July Fourth parade and evening fireworks, as tens of thousands pack the streets of America’s Hometown...
A few months ago, Plymouth Police Chief Michael Botieri and Plymouth County Sheriff Joe McDonald discussed the possibility of establishing a mounted unit consisting of local police. The unit would keep the horses’ skills sharp, while offering a valuable service to the town. “The police department’s reaction was enthusiastic,’’ McDonald said.
