The City of Fort Lauderdale had a unique celebration Wednesday, honoring the retirement of two police horses.
The full-maned beauties, El Capitan and Zachariah, were donated to the Fort Lauderdale Police mounted units but now they are officially off duty.
"He definitely will be missed," Sgt. Hugo Fontalvo said of his horse colleague.
"He's earned his retirement," Officer Eric Sweet said. "I'm really happy for him, he's done his time here, he was here with us for eight years."
Their human buddies are going to miss the friendly equines who spent their years fighting crime and patrolling the communities and beaches of Fort Lauderdale.
"He was involved in several civil unrests on the beach that we've had and performed excellently," Sweet said. "Any events where there is a large crowd, the horses can do the job of 15 police officers on the ground so they are very helpful in that way."
El Capitan was donated to the city and served for 10 years.
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"He became a favorite to every rider from the time that he arrived," Fontalvo said.
Zachariah was a former race horse also known as Zack the Quarterback. He was a private donation and spent eight years serving citizens.
"Initially it was a bit challenging," Sweet said. "He is a former race horse, he had two speeds, walk and sprint, but over time he became such a dependable horse and probably the most courageous horse to the point where at the end of his career he became the horse that we utilized to train our newer officers with."
Their faithful service to the city had a great impact in the community so they were celebrated with a much deserved retirement party, complete with carrot necklaces.
"His personality was great, he loves attention, he loves to be scratched, he's very friendly with others, he's great around kids," Sweet said.
"The guy has a temperament that you really welcome, that you have a connection with and he's always willing to help you and to please you," Fontalvo said.
The officers said they will miss riding these lovable horses but they are grateful for their important work on the force.
El Capitan will now head to the retirement home for horses at Mill Creek Farm and Zachariah will return home to his family in Southwest Ranches.
