Mounted Unit
A full-size model of one of Cleveland’s Mounted Unit Saddlebred horses, unique to the Cleveland Police Department is on display in the Cleveland Police Museum.
(possibly on a secondary page)
The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit was officially established in 1911, although horses have most likely played a part in the Cleveland Police force since it began in 1866.
The mounted unit began when Police Chief Fred Kohler went to Blot’s Livery and rented two horses for the department. Sergeant George Matowitz was picked to lead this new unit.
Although Sergeant George Matowitz was the first, his brother James Matowitz is actually credited as being the “Father of the Cleveland Mounted Unit. James created a Mounted Unit drill team, initiated special uniforms and built the stables on East 38th Street where the horses are still kept today.
The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit Honors:
- World Champs in Military Mounted Drill 1933
- Marched in President Warren G. Harding’s Funeral Procession.
- Inauguration Parades for Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
Most recently, the Mounted Unit had a strong presence during the 2016 Republican National convention.
The Mounted Unit hosts a Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/Cleveland-Police-Mounted-Unit-349469758452827/timeline/