Jan 17, 2025
LANCASTER CO., S.C. – Gunnr, Kismet and Thyra are now the first members of the first ever coroner office-based Mounted Response Unit in the country. Lancaster County Coroner Karla Knight-Deese says, “They are members of the Coroner’s Office, but they will be utilized by every agency.” The idea for the Mounted Response Unit was born one year ago, after Lancaster County first responders spent 19 days searching in and around the Catawba River for a missing man only identified as “Ty.” Ty’s parents were on hand at Friday’s swearing-in. Knight-Deese saying, “These two have become like family to me.” The idea is while new technology like drones help people see faraway things, good old fashioned horse power will help people get there. Knight-Deese says, “Our people are great for searching, but horses can get us there a lot faster.” These horses, 2 of whom are rescues, will not be used for crowd control or criminal apprehension; they are only for rescue and recovery. They’ll be able to go places people or UTVs cannot, and train to be able to handle a lot of variables. Forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Petller says, “We take them and teach them to go through fire. We teach them to jump over things. We teach them to traverse any type of terrain.” So, how much does it cost taxpayers? Not a penny. Knight-Deese says, “This is going to be 100% funded by donation.” People can also sign up to “sponsor” one of the horses. That money would go toward their feed, care, training and equipment. They’re also looking for Mounted Response Unit volunteers. If you’d like to learn more, click here.
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