SCMPD Mounted Unit’s Last Original Horse Dies

By Megan Kramer

Published: January 5, 2009

SAVANNAH, GA (January 5, 2009):  The Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Mounted Unit was saddened to find “Jupiter”, the last of the original horses that re-started the Mounted Unit in 1989 died while at pasture Friday morning. He was 27 years old.

Jupiter had served 14 years on duty with the Mounted Patrol Unit. He was the winner of several competition awards, an excellent patrol horse, and numerous officers learned how to ride partnered with Jupiter.  The horse was a community favorite and had a role in the movie “Midnight in the Garden Of Good and Evil”.  Prior to his service with the department, he was a race horse and won several races.

He was retired from duty with the rank of Lieutenant in the summer of 2003 and lived out his remaining years at the Police Stables.  Jupiter was a registered Appendix Quarter Horse, and his registered name was “Our Cute Partner”, but during his time with the department, he was simply known as Jupiter.

He was buried at the stables on Friday and a memorial service will be held at a later date.