Heartbreaking moment captured between police officer and his partner in last moments together
A normal afternoon of patrolling turned into a fatal accident for two members of the Houston Police Department when a cement truck startled Charlotte, a seasoned police horse who had been on the force for four years.
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Posted by Animal Justice League on Friday, December 4, 2015
After being frightened by the truck, Charlotte bucked her partner, Officer D. Herrejon and then ran into the street where she was hit by a car. Acting quickly, Herrejon layed down next to Charlotte, where he held her head as her last moments of life slipped away.
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Charlotte was more than just a horse who the department used for police duties -- the officers truly cherished her as a member of the team. The department said goodbye to Charlotte with a heartfelt announcement:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Charlotte, an HPD Mounted Patrol horse, who died in the line of duty this morning in a motor vehicle accident. ...
Charlotte came to HPD as an unstarted 2-year old Tennessee Walker from Oklahoma. She thrived in HPD Mounted Patrol's barefoot and natural horsemanship programs. She passed her evaluation period with flying colors and was working the streets of Downtown Houston within a short time of being started under saddle. She loved her job and was always ready to go to work putting bad guys in jail or giving nuzzles to children. She served the citizens of Houston for 4 years.
She will be missed.
The department also shared some pictures of the beautiful memories they made with Charlotte:
Charlotte with Officer D. Herrejon. Picture was taken yesterday, December 2, 2015.
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
Rest in peace, Charlotte.
Watch how this police dog's team honored him after the tragic Paris attacks:
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