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The Fayette County Sheriff's Office Mounted Unit was instituted in the spring of 1997. Deputy John E. Hyer of the patrol division, along with Deputy Clair "Butch" Betzko. Hyer's primary duty is as a patrol officer, but serves as the director of the mounted officers. Deputy Betzko has proven instrumental in the program by providing additional horses, training and equipment. The official saddle pad cover that is proudly worn by the mounted unit, is the original design of Chief Deputy Alan Witherspoon, and has been adopted by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for use with their mounted units.
The deputies serving on the mounted unit do so on a voluntary basis. Each officer, in addition to being a certified peace officer, must obtain certification as a mounted unit. The cost of this additional training is absorbed by the officer personally. This includes the expenses for the care of his horse, tack and any other associated equipment. While working as a mounted unit, the officer donates their time to the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Fayette County without cost to the county. Mounted units are also available to surrounding law enforcement agencies in the event of an emergency.
The horses selected for training and duty are Standardbred. Their bloodlines have produced animals with outstanding abilities for endurance coupled with the mental attitude necessary for law enforcement work. Once retired from the race circuit, these animals are donated by their owners for use in the law enforcement community through The United States Trotting Association. Upon being selected for this type of duty, the horse begins the initial phase of training. However, due to it's previous track experiences and breeding, this training usually takes less than 100 hours. The second phase of training consists of the skills that must be perfected and repeated time after time to successfully qualify for certification. Certification must be completed before the animal can be placed into public service. This requires a great deal of time for both the officer and his mount, as they must display their ability to perform law enforcement duties.
The Fayette County Mounted Unit made its premier appearance at the 1997 Fayette County Fair. It currently consists of three certified officers, and two certified horses. Other certified mounts are borrowed from Dep. Betzko until such time others can be obtained. The mounted unit has participated in ceremonial parades around the county, including Washington Court House, Jeffersonville and New Holland. The unit provides official law enforcement duties for the Fayette County fair as well.
Left to Right: Dep. John Hyer with "Lancers Away" and Dep. Ron Burke with "BJ's Reply"
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