BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A celebrated member of the Bethlehem Police Department is turning in his badge and gun for greener pastures.
Well, not exactly.
This particular member doesn’t have a weapon to turn in.
But he does have a badge — and a saddle.
Asa the horse, a celebrated and vital member of Bethlehem Mounted Police, will hang up his horseshoes and settle into the easy life this next week, ending a 10-year run of service, Friends of Bethlehem Mounted Police announced in a Facebook post.
“While it’s hard to imagine the unit without his strong presence and gentle spirit, fans can take comfort knowing that retirement for Asa looks pretty sweet."Facebook post from Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police reads.
Asa joined the Mounted Unit in 2015, and was described in the post as “instrumental in the development and success of the team — always steady on patrol, always ready to serve, and always a crowd favorite.”
On Sunday, Sept. 7, Asa will officially retire at the Bridles & Badges Open House event at 615 E. Langhorne Ave.
“While it’s hard to imagine the unit without his strong presence and gentle spirit, fans can take comfort knowing that retirement for Asa looks pretty sweet," a Facebook post from Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police reads.
"He has a new home waiting in the country, where he’ll spend his days roaming with a small herd of friends, enjoying wide open pastures and well-deserved rest.”
Guests are welcome to attend the event and help send Asa off into retirement, even if, as the Friends put it, “he’ll always remain part of our story, and part of our hearts.”
'A calming effect'
According to Bethlehem Police Capt. William Audelo, all officers at one point or another have an opportunity to train with the mounted officers and horses, making the Mounted Unit a true part of the family.
In addition, horses such as Asa really help law enforcement connect with the community, Audelo said.
“We love having them around," he said. "They're just like a nice change of pace from some of the other issues that we have to deal with within our career field.
“Any time that we retire one of these police horses, there's a sense of loss, and it's hard, but Asa’s career might be ending, but his life is still very full."Bethlehem Police Capt. William Audelo
"They definitely had a calming effect for a lot of us, and they're just the best community relation that we could have.
“It's a great conversation starter. People in our community are really drawn to the horses, and they are often checking in and asking about them, how they're doing.
"And Asa has been with us for a while now, he's certainly part of the family.”
Over time, those mounted officers develop strong, emotional bonds with the horses, with which they work both out in public and back at the barn, Audelo said.
That will make the retirement an emotional event, he said, even if the department is happy to see their colleague step down from active duty.
“Any time that we retire one of these police horses, there's a sense of loss, and it's hard, but Asa’s career might be ending, but his life is still very full," Audelo said.
"He's going to be able to enjoy his retirement and just be a horse instead of being a police horse."
