It often only takes a moment for a perfectly normal day to turn into one that will always be remembered. That was the case when these two individuals struck out on duty in the Houston Police Department.
Charlotte is a horse and for 4 years, she patrolled the streets of Houston along with her police partner. On Thursday, she was startled when a cement truck passed and the unthinkable happened.
After being startled, she bucked Officer D. Herrejon from her back and panicked. She then ran into the street and was struck by a vehicle.
Although ultimately, this led to her demise, she found comfort in her final moments from the officer that had spent so much time with her. He held her head to his chest as she passed away.
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Herrejon was taken to the hospital after the incident but was released with no difficulties.
Charlotte’s death was met with words of mourning by the Houston Police Department:
“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.”
When posting the announcement, the department also included several pictures of Charlotte to memorialize her life and her service to the city of Houston.
This photograph was taken the day before the accident. It shows officer Herrejon with his beloved horse.
Charlotte with Officer D. Herrejon. Picture was taken yesterday, December 2, 2015.
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
This is Charlotte staying warm while in the stables.
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
Charlotte even had fun at the office!
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
We wish everyone peace after this tragedy.
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