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Non-profit Launches in Support of Worcester PD’s Mounted Unit

By Patrick Sargent | April 24, 2019
Last Updated: February 2, 2021

WORCESTER – A non-profit organization has been formed by a group of local citizens in support of the Worcester Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.

In an effort to raise community awareness about the WPD unit, the Friends of the Mounted Police Unit [MPU] has been established.

“We believe that the mounted unit is an essential component in the Worcester Police Department’s law enforcement efforts and provides a unique opportunity for proactive policing and connecting with the community,” said Audrey Kurlan-Marcy, President of the Friends of the MPU. “We are committed to informing the public about the necessity of the unit and to raising funds for its ongoing needs.”

The MPU – which was established in early 2017 — is a full time unit comprised of seven officers, one lieutenant and four horses—purchased through funds provided by generous sponsors. The City of Worcester continues to support the unit in its annual budget. The Friends of the MPU will fundraise to help cover costs of additional items that may be needed to support the horses.

The announcement of the nonprofit launching was made on Wednesday afternoon at the Worcester County House of Corrections where the MPU horses are housed and trained in newly renovated stables. 

“Public safety is truly a community-wide effort. It takes not just our police officers, but people like the Friends of the MPU, who will be providing financial assistance, to keep the valuable tool of our police horses in the field,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “When we create lasting, trusting partnerships it benefits us all and we have seen this across our city in every department of our government. I look forward to the good work the Friends of the MPU will enable us to do.”

April 24, 2019 Audrey Kurlan-Marcy

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Board members of The Friends of the Mounted Police Unit include: Audrey Kurlan-Marcy, Philanthropist; Colleen Wamback, Worcester Resident; Diane Giampa, Senior Vice President of Bay State Savings Bank; David Tuttle, Superintendent for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; Lindsay Stewart, Attorney at Law; Adam Beaudry, Certified Public Accountant; and Dr. Wade Tenney, Ultrasonographer, Equine Sports Medicine at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University.

“The men and women of the MPU have done an outstanding job serving as Ambassadors of Good Will, providing a sense of security for visitors, enhancing the relationship with residents and contributing to the overall quality of life in our city,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “All of which stands to be bolstered by the support of the Friends of the MPU and their efforts in keeping operating costs at a minimum.”

April 24, 2019 Audrey Kurlan-Marcy

Over the next several months, the Friends of the Mounted Police Unit will be scheduling fundraising events and participating in local community activities.

“I am grateful to the members of this newly formed group for recognizing that the Mounted Unit is an invaluable asset to our community,” said Chief Steven M. Sargent. “This unit has been successful in making connections and building bridges with residents, business owners and visitors. The Friends of the MPU will help to ensure that this specialized unit will remain visible on our streets and continue to enhance our community policing efforts.”

For more details about the organization, please visit The Friends of MPU’s Facebook page. For those wishing to make a donation, please make checks payable to Friends of the Mounted Police Unit, in care of Bay State Savings Bank, 28 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sargent/ThisWeekinWorcester.com

Logo: Friends of MPU/Facebook

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