VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit has lost one of its beloved horses.
The unit announced Wednesday that Duchess, its 16-year-old Clydesdale, died after a sudden illness. They say Duchess passed away peacefully at Woodside Equine Clinic while surrounded by her human partner and fellow Mounted Officers.
Duchess served the City of Virginia Beach for three years, serving as "a bridge to the community with her loving demeanor, as well as protecting officers and citizens in the most severe of circumstances with her great courage."
In 2018, News 3 reported that Duchess had given birth to a foal, Lady Justice, to the unit's surprise.
"We are forever thankful to Duchess for her service to our department and community," the department wrote on Facebook.
