Nassau's volunteer horse patrol ready to keep community safe

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is turning to horses to keep the community safe.

In October, Action News told you about the push to form a brand new mounted patrol.     

The newly-formed unit is expected to save taxpayers money in Nassau County.

NCSO said this is a step in the right direction. Nineteen volunteers with horses have recently been sworn in and are now part of a mounted patrol.

"Should we have a child go missing or an elderly person wander in the woods, they can search those areas," said Sheriff Bill Leeper.

Sworn volunteer Jennifer Hall and her horse Josie are excited about helping NCSO making the county safer. 

"I was looking for something to do with my horse for the community," said Hall.

The volunteers have to go through different exercises to make sure they're ready for any task the Sheriff's Office sends their way and they do it for free.

"They have their own horses, they furnish everything, it's basically no cost to the taxpayer," Leeper said.

Leeper said it has been more than a decade since the county has had a mounted posse. He said this team will be a vital part of the Sheriff's Office and the community.

WJAX