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Release Date: January 26, 2023

 

A unique and highly visible program that’s been part of the downtown community for more than twenty years, has come to an end.

 

Kingston Police have operated the Mounted Unit since 1998. However, due to multiple challenges around the availability of trained staff, the program was not renewed for 2023.

 

“It was wonderful to have a mounted unit as part of our contingent, but we needed to make some challenging decisions to support staffing needs and public safety throughout the City,” says Scott Fraser, Acting Chief of Police. “Public safety is our top priority,” he says.

 

In late 2020, it was identified additional revenue was needed to support ongoing expenses for Murney including her training and boarding, as she lives in a stable and requires safe quarters year-round. 

 

With contributions from Downtown Kingston BIA, TD Bank, and numerous community members, more than $61,000 in donations was raised to cover expenses for 2021 and 2022.

 

“Although, new to my role, it has been inspiring to see so many people support Murney on Patrol the past two years,” says Fraser. “We are grateful for the hard work of everyone involved.”

 

“We also wish to express our appreciation for all of the time and resources that Brad and Deb Wicklam, both retired Kingston Police officers who founded the unit, invested into this program over the years,” says Fraser. “Their dedication to the Mounted Unit along with previous riders, Sgt. Sarah Groenewegen, and Cst. Amy Carter, was integral to its success.”

 

The money paid for room and board, feed, grooming, hoof care/shoeing, veterinary services and training, however, did not go toward salaries or other administrative costs.