The Year of the Fire Horse:
What It Means to the Chicago Police Department
February 17, 2026 kicked off the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse: a symbol meant for bravery, unwavering momentum, and blazing trails of independence.
The Year of the Fire Horse occurs once every 60 years in the Chinese Zodiac.
We couldn’t think of a better time to focus on the Mounted Patrol Unit – the trusty steeds that serve the Chicago Police Department, and the selfless men and women who inspired their names.
Designed for Law Enforcement
Forever Remembered
When horses arrive at the CPD stables, they lose the name given to them by their previous owner, whether they hail from a racing track or a farm. From that day forward, they bear the name of a fallen Chicago Police Officer.
An article by the Chicago Tribune explains the origins: “It was the idea of Officer Joseph Cistaro, a mounted police officer since 1997. A member of the Illinois National Guard as well, he had noticed that National Guard posts often named parade grounds or avenues after fallen soldiers.”
And thus the tradition was born.
Above each stall hangs a plaque – a sign that displays the slain officer’s name – like the story of Officer Nathaniel Taylor Jr.
On September 28, 2008, Officer Taylor and Officer Lemornet Miller arrived at a home on South Clyde Avenue. While the narcotics team was en-route to launch the search, both officers stood watch outside.
Lamar Cooper, the homeowner, opened fire as the two approached. Bullets struck Officer Taylor at a mere six feet away, hitting him in the head and chest. That tragic day would mark the end of his watch after fourteen years of service. (Chicago Police Memorial Foundation)
“Flisk” carries the memory of Officer Michael Flisk. On November 26th, 2010, he arrived at the scene of a stolen car radio. The suspect, Timothy Herring Jr., had already served behind bars for armed robbery, and was desperate to avoid prison once more. Knowing that Flisk had just collected his fingerprints, Herring shot Flisk and the vehicle’s owner – killing them both. (Chicago Police Memorial Foundation).
Each CPD steed is a reminder of those who made that ultimate sacrifice – laying down their life to serve others. That number has unfortunately only increased over the years. Some of the latest horses brought into the stables have been named after more recent tragedies, such as the murder of Officer Ella French in 2021, who was slain during a traffic stop, and Officers Eduardo Marmolejo and Conrad Gary in 2018, killed by a commuter train while attempting to apprehend a fleeing suspect (Chicago Tribune).
Left: Police Officer Edmund J. Rooney Sr. on patrol. Right: Officer Michael Gilligan taking his horse to the stable before the CPD’s Mounted Unit was initially disbanded in 1948.
One Hoof in Front of the Other
At first glance, it may seem like the CPD’s mounted unit has always patrolled Chicago’s streets. And for 42 years, it was a constant presence throughout the city.
That changed in 1948.
According to Police1, “the rise of motorized vehicles led to the unit being disbanded.” Nearly three decades later, the unit had a resurgence.
1974 began the return of police steeds. The need for something more accessible than patrol cars and motorcycles was paramount. The CPD’s website states that, “One mounted unit officer equals 10 footed police officers.” And it’s not hard to see why. After all, it’s far easier to control crowds on horseback–promoting an atmosphere that’s both friendly and dependable.
Trust Isn’t Built In a Day
The bond between horse and rider is unshakable–built up over years of trust and dedication. And the path to joining Chicago’s Mounted Unit is not an easy one. According to the Chicago Police’s website, “50% of officers who try out for the Mounted Patrol Unit fail to complete the training course.”
Over the course of 14 weeks, Mounted Unit members are expected to cover all areas of horsemanship, from “mastering riding techniques” to “understanding equine behavior” (Police 1). Having that bond is paramount – so both horse and rider can work as an inseparable unit.
After all, it’s not just the officers who need to put in the work.
Left to Right:
Image 1 – A mounted officer interacts with the crowd.
Image 2 – Mounted units during a parade.
Image 3 – Caption from Back of Photo: Chicago police mounted unit, back in service after 26 years, makes first patrol in Grant Park. Policemen Adrian Garcia (Left), on Mason, and Frank Murczek, astride Obsidian, find all serene as they ride past Buckingham Fountain. The 10-horse unit will patrol Grant, Lincoln, and Washington parks daily from noon to 7 PM. Photo taken by Jim Mescall.
Image 4 – Police officers ride on horseback throughout the city.
Each horse is evaluated on certain standards to begin their time with the CPD: from their appearance to overall mannerisms. To keep a consistent look across the department, every horse needs to look similar, from build to coat color – usually a distinctive chestnut brown.
Horses with mild temperaments and minimal reactions to distractions, from car horns to energized crowds, are ideal. Of course, not every horse is expected to be a natural at this. That’s where desensitization comes in.
From using a boom box to blast music, to introducing them to the clamor of everyday city life, each horse slowly learns to adapt (Police 1). And doing so is crucial. From crowd control at large events, to daily patrols, being a four-legged addition to the CPD eventually seems like second nature.
SEND US YOUR STORIES
In an age with motorized travel and commutes, traditional horse power may seem dated and unnecessary. Still, since its inception in 1906, the Mounted Unit has shown time and time again its necessity in the city.
Do you have any information on…
- Your personal experience serving within the Chicago Police Department’s Mounted Unit?
- A memorable interaction with a Mounted Unit member?
- Stories of the heroic men and women who the horses are named after?
Send details and photos to pon@ponetwork.com. Together, let’s dig deeper into history!
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