One of Shreveport Police Department’s favorite mounted patrol members was remembered today at a ceremony held at the Shreveport Regional Police Academy.
Sadat, a full-blooded Arabian, had to be put down two weeks ago after suffering a shattered elbow.
Sadat was known as the monarch of the mounted patrol team of horses. He was the official greeter of the group and would announce the presence of anyone who arrived at the Mounted Patrol Barn.
"Everytime you pulled up, he would come out and talk to you," said Sgt. Debbie Strickland, Mounted Patrol supervisor. "He was a gentle soul."
Sadat, 22, had been with the department for 17 years and worked under six chiefs of police. During his tenure, he worked every Louisiana State Fair and Mardi Gras parade. He also once patrolled the streets of Highland.
Sadat was buried at an officer’s property in Keithville, but a memorial has been erected behind the police academy.
Sadat’s death came just after the Mounted Patrol Unit retired Cookie, a 21-year-old quarter horse who had worked for SPD for 16 years.
The loss lowers the number to three horses that are currently available for mounted patrol. Two other horses are still being trained.
The unit can have up to 10 horses total.
If anyone has a horse they would like to donate to the Mounted Patrol Unit, please call 673-7250. The horses need to have a calm disposition, be broken and have some experience with riders. They cannot kick or bite.