Meet the Newest Member of HBPD, Guardian!

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the Huntington Beach Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU), Guardian! Guardian is an 11-year-old male gelding, with a breed profile termed American Quarter Horse. The majority of his coat is black and he has a distinctive white blaze on his face. Guardian joined the department on July 29, 2022, and was partnered with Officer Ojeda.  

The name Guardian was selected as a tribute to Officer Nicholas Vella, who tragically died in the line of duty on February 19, 2022. Officer Vella was a fourteen year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD).

Aside from being popular with the community, the MEU is essential in keeping our community safe. The unit assists in situations of civil disorder, crowd surveillance, crowd control, and other situations. The MEU is helpful for both spontaneous and planned events in our parks, beaches, and downtown areas.

The MEU is part of the OC Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit (OCRMEU), which includes officers and horses from Anaheim, Buena Park, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana. Moreover, the OCRMEU continuously trains in Mobile Field Force activities to ensure a safe and effective approach to crowd management.

You can expect to see Guardian and the rest of the MEU team patrolling during the upcoming Pacific Air Show happening September 30 – October 2, 2022. Be sure to stop and say hello!

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