8/23/14 - Nine horseman from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Mounted Division spent more than two hours crisscrossing the fields of the Countyâs Lutz Park as part of a recent search and rescue training exercise. The team conducted two practice searches, including one for a special needs child portrayed by a member of the Sheriffâs Cadet program and one for possible discarded evidence from a previous arrest. The area is said to be difficult to search because of heavy clumps of brush, poison ivy and extremely tall grass. Team Leader, Deputy Dennis Hurley, commented on the advantages of using riders as opposed to searchers on foot. He says people tend to think it faster search because theyâre on horseback but they generally move more slowly than a person on foot. He says the advantage is that because of the height of the horse, they have a different perspective than a ground searcher. Hurley says they also rely on the keen senses of the horse and pay close attention to the reactions of the horses since they can often hear or smell things that will cue them in on where to focus attention. The Livingston County Mounted Division conducts trainings throughout the year to practice and hone skills. All of the riders are volunteer Special Deputies who serve as needed by the department and the division is currently looking to add four more riders to the team. Those interested that have a well-trained confident horse, a trailer and a tow vehicle are encouraged to apply through the link below. (JM)
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