Hercules, beloved Atlanta Police Department patrol horse, dies after 16 years of service

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department is mourning the loss of patrol horse, Hercules.

Officials say Hercules died after being rushed to Athens for emergency surgery on Friday.

As an 18-year-old Percheron/Thoroughbred cross, Hercules served as a member of the Mounted Patrol Unit for 16 years and joined APD at two years old.

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“He was saddle broken by the inmates of Angola State Prison in Louisiana and made the journey to Atlanta when he was ready to begin his career. Due to his size and shiny white coat, he stood out from the rest and was always a crowd favorite,” police said.

Hercules is a half draft horse and half racehorse, which made him the second biggest horse in the barn, police said. They continued, describing him as “irreplaceable” with a big personality.

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“Hercules knew his job and patrolled the streets with all the grace a horse that size could muster. He is irreplaceable and will be missed,” police said.

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