MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Madison Police Department has added a new horse to its Mounted Patrol Unit, officials announced Wednesday.

Spirit, a 6-year-old Percheron Gelding, was welcomed into the department Tuesday evening during a ceremony at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, where he received his official badge.

The cheer team, for whom Spirit is named, was there to celebrate along with members of the MPD Honor Guard and Mounted Patrol Unit.

Spirit, an ebony-colored purebred, was born in Ishpeming, Michigan, and came to Madison in 2023. After completing his two-year probationary period, the horse, sponsored by Laura Harrington, was officially sworn in as a Mounted Patrol Unit officer.

“The support that this unit gives to all of our officers on two feet is incredible and cannot be un

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