On July 25, the LAPD said goodbye to Equine Keeper Sal Mondragon on his retirement after 18 years of City service.
Sal has spent the last 18 years making sure the LAPD horses received the best care. “Whether it was setting a loose shoe, floating teeth, cleaning the barn, fixing a waterer, doctoring an injured horse, or evaluating a horse for Police duty, Sal has been right there making sure our horses are as spoiled as they deserve to be,” the department wrote. “Thank you for your service to the City of Los Angeles and especially our equine partners. You will be missed by all your friends at the LAPD.”
A party was held for Sal July 27 at Morrison’s on Los Feliz Boulevard. “Sal’s unwavering commitment to the care and wellbeing of our mounted unit horses has been nothing short of extraordinary,” wrote Muna Busailah, public safety attorney. “His expertise, compassion and tireless work ethic ensured these four-legged officers were always ready to serve our community with pride and strength. The bond between Sal and the horses under his care was evident to every one who witnessed his daily dedication. His legacy lives on in every healthy, well-trained horse that continues to patrol our streets.”
Congratulations, Sal, on your retirement, and thank you for your dedicated service.