ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Department celebrated the retirement of one of its favorite employees--Noble the horse.
Noble, a 16-year-old gelding, has served the Orlando Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit since October 2003, according to police. Noble has participated in the Police Olympics, the Mississippi Gulf Region disasters, area searches involving missing persons, the Super Bowl and many college bowl games. Noble also served during the 2012 NBA All Star week and the 2012 Republican National Convention.
Michael Garcia rode Noble more than any other officer and said he thought Noble knew what the ceremony was about.
"I think he has a little bit of an idea, that this is like a good farewell for him," he said.
At his retirement ceremony, police celebrated Noble with photos, memories and Noble's favorite treat-carrot cake.
After the ceremony, Noble was taken back to his original owners in Eustis, John and Carole Fredericks.
"He came to a place where he would be used and he would find happiness of his own kind and he has helped a lot of people," Carol Fredericks said. "Noble is magnificent, he was my soulmate."
Orlando police has about 9 to 10 horses on the force at any time. Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney said one horse can do the work of 20 officers when it comes to controlling crowds.