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
Diesel is the boss of the barn, but as sweet as can be! He joined our herd through a generous donation from the Kansas City Mounted Patrol in 2020.
Born: 2009
Breed: Percheron/Friesian Cross
Height: 17.2 hands
Partner: Sgt. Vodicka
Likes: Napping...a lot!
Dislikes: Too much work.
Dumplin
Dumplin
Dumplin is the only lady in the barn and hails from the Peach State of Georgia. She joined our herd through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2020.
Born: 2009
Breed: Belgian Cross
Height: 16.2 hands
Partner: Officer Stickney
Likes: Sweets - especially peppermints!
Dislikes: Cold weather
Valor
Valor
Valor is from Axtell, NE. He joined our herd through a generous donation from WoodmenLife in 2018.
Born: 2013
Breed: American Quarter Horse
Height: 15.1 hands
Partner: Officer Crick
Likes: Dogs, popsicles and ice cream
Dislikes: Skateboarders!
Zane
Donovan
Donovan
Zane joined the patrol from Ashland, NE. If given the chance, he would lay out in the sun all day! He was purchased by the Omaha Police Department in 2017.
Born: 2010
Breed: American Quarter Horse
Height: 15.3 hands
Partner: Officer Marchio
Likes: Dogs, sunbathing, cuddles, hair brushing, massages and playing soccer.
Dislikes: Criminals!
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan is named after the founder of the unit, Donovan D. Ketzler. He came to the patrol from the Mounted Patrol International in Austin, Texas and became part of our herd through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2021.
Born: 2016
Breed: English Shire
Height: 17.2 hands
Likes: Running - he actually LOVES it!
Dislikes: Drunk and disorderly people.
Wilson
Donovan
Wilson
Wilson, originally from Canada, came to us from the Mounted Patrol International in Austin, Texas. He is mild-mannered and a natural patrol horse. He became part of our herd through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2023.
Born: 2019
Breed: Clydesdale
Height: 17.3 hands
Likes: Being petted- he is a gentle soul.
Dislikes: Having his feet trimmed!
Thor
Thor joined the patrol from Jamesport, Missouri. True to his name, he is strong-willed and always ready for a challenge. He joined our herd through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2018.
Born: 2015
Breed: Draft Cross
Height: 17.2 hands
Likes: Running, toys, playing in water and carrots - lots of them!
Dislikes: Green apples
Serving the Omaha Community & Beyond
