Holly MatkinQuarryville, PA – Quarryville Police Department (QPD) Equine Officer McGillicuddy died on Oct. 15 after he was injured during an accidental fall.
The exact circumstances surrounding the beloved 12-year-old equine officer’s death were not immediately released.
The Quarryville Police Foundation (QPF) announced Equine Officer McGillicuddy’s death in a Facebook post on Nov. 1.
“It is with great sadness that we share this news about Equine Officer McGillicuddy,” the post read. “He died recently as the result of injuries sustained in an accidental fall. We mourn his loss and extend our condolences to his human family, police colleagues & fans.”
“We are sincerely grateful for his service as a goodwill ambassador on behalf of the Quarryville Police Foundation,” the QPF added. “He inspired lots of smiles wherever he went and never tired of receiving hugs from all the kids. He was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.”
The 330-pound miniature horse had been sworn in as a QPD “community relations specialist” on Aug. 2, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.
Quarryville Mayor Anthony Cavallaro said at the time that he believed the QPD was one of the only law enforcement agencies in the nation to swear in a miniature horse.
“I am all about community policing and this is how to break that barrier between the police and community,” Cavallaro told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “The kids love it, and that is really what this is all about.”
Dozens of people offered their condolences to the QPD in response to the WPF’s announcement regarding Equine Officer McGillicuddy’s death.
“He was so, so dear and will continue to be missed,” one message read. “Thanks to his sweet family for sharing him with our community.”
“I am so very sorry to hear that this much needed officer’s watch is over!” another person wrote. “Have a wonderful time galloping and playing at the rainbow Bridge!”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Quarryville Police Department in the loss of Equine Officer McGillicuddy.
