Providence Police Department welcomes three new police horses to Mounted Command Unit
Providence – The Nardolillo family has a history of supporting the Mounted Command. In 1997,
Robert, Al, and David donated B.A.D Boy who proudly served the city for many years.
Now, the next generation of the family, Robert III, Ryan, Angelo, Andrew and Anthony
continue the family tradition with their donation of Goliath, an 8-year-old, 18.2
hand Percheron Gelding.
Nancy Rankin Scarton has donated a 4-year-old, 17.1 hand Clydesdale Gelding named
Charlie and an 8-year-old 16.3 hand Percheron/Standardbred Cross Gelding named Perk.
Mrs. Scarton has donated these horses in memory of her daughter Margaret «Meg»
Rankin, who once volunteered at the Mounted Command working with special needs
children. Meg later discovered during her battle with cancer that she had assisted
the handicapped daughter of one of her caretakers at Roger Williams Hospital, who
bolstered her love for the unit.
«These well trained and intelligent police horses will help strengthen relationships
between our police department and the community-and will serve as a great source of
support for our officers at parades and other large scale events,» said Mayor
Elorza. «I thank the Nardolillo family and Mrs. Nancy Rankin Scarton for believing
in our police department and for their support through their invaluable donations.»
«These horses that were generously donated by the Nardolillo and Scarton families
will serve as valuable contributors to our community policing philosophy,» said
Colonel Clements. Members of the Mounted Command are out each night working in
various capacities throughout the city such as clearing unruly crowds and handling
club closings, as well are working each day with community groups, schools, children
with special needs, and the elderly. The Providence Police are truly grateful for
the donation of these horses which will have an instrumental role in the
department.»
The Mounted Command is currently comprised of 4 officers, 6 civilians, and 8 horses.
Each officer is an experienced rider, patrol officer and community police
specialist.