FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale police honored two horses that are retiring from the force Wednesday morning.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department horses, El Capitan and Zachariah, have patrolled the city's neighborhoods, beaches and downtown areas throughout their years with the department.
El Capitan was donated to the city in 2005 and Zachariah was donated in 2007.
"They have the skills to actually do traffic stops, make arrests and interact with the public," Sgt. Hugo Fontalzo said. "Especially in this day and age where there is a divide between the public and police departments, it really creates a bridge for people to come and approach us and engage us."
On Wednesday, the police department celebrated the horses' service by giving them each a wreath of carrots, which they were eager to accept.
El Capitan will spend his remaining years at Mill Creek Farm Retirement for Horses in Alachua County.
"I think Capi has had a wonderful career and touched so many people's lives," Sgt. Bill Stewart said. "The facility he is going to in Alachua is fantastic. It will be a wonderful place for him to go."
Zachariah will return home to the family who donated him to the department in Southwest Ranches.
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