Our History
In 1984 a group of community members recognized a need for a mounted patrol unit in the City of Virginia Beach. They met with then Chief of Police, Charles Wall, who agreed that a mounted patrol unit would greatly improve community policing strategies, especially during the summer months at the Oceanfront. Since this would be a new endeavor for the City, Chief Wall knew additional resources would be needed, so the group started exploring ways to make this vision a reality.
In 1985, this vision was realized and the Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Police was founded. In the early years we assisted in acquiring horses, tack, stabling, and equipment to support six officers, one sergeant, and seven horses that operated out of Camp Pendleton. As the City grew, so did the Mounted Patrol. In 2001 the mounted unit moved to its permanent headquarters at 2089 Indian River Road. Today, the horses continue to be owned by the Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Police, with the City funding the purchase of equipment, maintenance and care of the horses. We currently serve seven officers, one sergeant and fourteen horses.
Who We Are
The Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Patrol is a 501c3 non-profit organization. “The Friends” is an all-volunteer organization. The board of directors serve to carry out our mission with the dedicated support of community volunteers, partners, and donors. In addition to hosting annual fundraising events, we participate in numerous community events.
What We Do
For over thirty-five years the Friends have provided direct support to the VBPD Mounted Patrol Unit. In addition to acquiring horses through donations by private citizens or purchases through organizations such as Mounted Patrol International in Texas, we also provide additional funding for unique training experiences, supplemental equipment, and other items requested by the Unit. These training opportunities and equipment have significant impact on the training, duties and responsibilities the Unit provides to the citizens and visitors of the City of Virginia Beach.
Funds are raised through sponsorship opportunities of several annual fundraising events to include the Trunk or Treat, Beach Ride, and Holiday Food and Toy Drive. Additional funding is received by individual and corporate donors, in-kind donations, and merchandise sales.