our History
The Omaha Mounted Patrol is closely tied to the vision and leadership of businessman Donovan D. Ketzler, Sr, and Mayor P.J. Morgan.
In 1989, shortly after becoming mayor of Omaha, P.J. Morgan was approached by Donovan “Van” Ketzler with an idea to establish a mounted police unit for the city. Ketzler, a lifelong horseman, former U.S. Cavalry officer and president of the Dehner Boot Company, believed mounted patrols could strengthen community relations while enhancing public safety.
Ketzler proposed a trial program and personally loaned two horses, saddles and trailers to the Omaha Police Department for a 30-day test period. The horses, Fox and Rusty, became the foundation of the new unit. Ketzler also provided boots, equipment, training support and mentorship during the program’s earliest days.
The pilot program proved successful, and in April 1990 the Mounted Patrol officially became a full-time unit within the Omaha Police Department. What began with just two officers and two horses steadily expanded into one of the city’s most recognizable specialty units.
Ketzler remained deeply involved with the Mounted Patrol for many years, helping guide its development, supporting fundraising efforts and advocating for the unit throughout the community. His background as a World War II mounted cavalryman and accomplished horseman gave the program a strong equestrian and military foundation.
the mounted unit today
Since 1989, the unit has played an important role in public safety, assisting with crowd control, traffic enforcement, and arrests. Mounted officers patrol throughout the city, with a strong presence in the Old Market and Riverfront areas, and are a familiar sight at major events like the College World Series, concerts, and community festivals.
With a vantage point of eight feet or more, mounted officers offer increased visibility and mobility, often equating to the effectiveness of seven to ten officers on foot in certain situations.
Today, the unit typically includes ten to twelve horses, six officers, one sergeant, and a civilian barn manager. Since 2005, it has operated from a modern facility built by ConAgra Foods in downtown Omaha, featuring indoor and outdoor training areas, horse stalls, and dedicated operational space for the unit.
Training and Teamwork
Patrol horses undergo extensive, specialized training to prepare for duty. Training begins in an indoor arena, where horses gradually learn to overcome natural fears of loud noises, smoke, obstacles, and unfamiliar terrain. They are carefully desensitized to challenging conditions such as flares, gunfire, fireworks, and heavy smoke.
Crowd control is a key part of their preparation. Horses are trained to push against a large rubber ball, teaching them to apply steady, controlled pressure when safely moving crowds. It can take several months of intensive training before a horse is ready for active duty and earns its place in the unit.
Mounted officers and their horses are frequently deployed in searches for missing persons, suspects, and evidence across open fields, wooded areas, and difficult terrain. Their mobility and elevated vantage point allow them to cover large areas more efficiently than officers on foot.
Beyond enforcement, mounted officers and their horses serve as ambassadors for the department, helping foster positive relationships and strengthen connections within the community.
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Diesel
Dumplin
Dumplin
Diesel is the boss of the barn, but sweet as can be! Meet this 17-year-old Percheron/Friesian cross. He stands 17.2 hands high.
His partner is Sgt. Vodicka.
Diesel joined our herd as a donation from the Kansas City Mounted Patrol in January 2020.
Likes: Napping...a lot!
Dislikes: Too much work.
Dumplin
Dumplin
Dumplin
Dumplin is a 17-year-old Belgian cross standing 16.2 hands high. She is the only lady in the barn and hails from the peach state of Georgia.
Dumplin's partner is Officer Stickney.
She was purchased with a grant from the First Responders in 2020
Likes: Her sweet tooth loves peppermints!
Dislikes: She hates the cold because she is a southern belle.
Valor
Dumplin
Valor
Valor is a 13-year-old gray Quarter horse. He stands 15.1 hands high.
His partner is Officer Crick.
Valor was donated to the Unit in 2018 by WoodmenLife.
Likes: Dogs, popsicles and ice cream.
Dislikes: Skateboarders
Wilson
Donovan
Donovan
Meet Wilson, a 7-year-old Bay Roan Clydesdale from Canada. Wilson stands 17.2 hands high. He is mild mannered which is the perfect personality for a patrol horse!
He was purchased from the Mounted Patrol International in Austin, Texas in 2023 through a generous grant from the First Responders Foundation.
Likes: Wilson is a gentle soul and likes pets.
Dislikes: Having his feet trimmed.
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan is named after the founder of the unit - the legend himself - Donovan D. Ketzler! He is an English Shire from Texas and was trained specifically for police work. He is 10 years old and 17.2 hands high.
Donovan was purchased through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2021.
Likes: He actually LOVES running!
Dislikes: Drunk and disorderly people.
Zane
Donovan
Zane
Zane is our 16-year-old pretty Palomino Quarter horse. He stands 15.3 hands high from Ashland, NE.
Zane was donated to the Patrol by the Omaha Police Department in 2017.
Likes: dogs, sunbathing, cuddles, hair brushing, massages and playing soccer.
Dislikes: Zane does not like criminals!
Thor
Thor is a 11-year-old Draft cross horse standing 17.2 hands high.
Thor was purchased through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2018.
Likes: Running, toys, playing in water and CARROTS!
Dislikes: Green apples
Serving the Omaha Community
