SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After 18 years of incredible service with the Scottsdale Police Department, Zeus the police horse is ready to hang up the saddle and badge.
Zeus, a gray 26-year-old Percheron-Thoroughbred crossbreed, started with Scottsdale PD in 2005. He was the first draft-cross breed of horse the Scottsdale Mounted Unit acquired, officials said.
Scottsdale police said Zeus was a reliable patrol horse and his willing attitude and calm demeanor were an asset to the department. Officials also said Zeus' striking looks also garnered lots of attention wherever he went.
The department will be celebrating his retirement at the WestWorld Barn at 10 a.m. Thursday. According to Scottsdale PD, Zeus will be retiring into the care of a Scottsdale police officer who first met him when she was a teen volunteer. As a Wrangler, she cared for him at the police barn and now she gets to help him enjoy retirement.
Once the festivities conclude, Zeus will be sent off by the Scottsdale PD Mounted Unit and taken to his new home in Gilbert.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
