The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Enforcement Unit (MEU) is saddened to announce the tragic passing of Police Service Horse Cloud after he suffered a medical emergency during monthly training on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in Riverside County. Cloud’s passing is the first on-duty MEU death in the nearly 50-year history of the unit.
Cloud was a valued member of the team, serving for the last three years in a variety of assignments including patrols in the canyons, the annual Air Show in Huntington Beach, Fourth of July celebrations in Dana Point, as well as crowd control for large protests. Most recently, Cloud and his partner, Deputy Arnold Deedrick, participated in a Trunk-or-Treat event in Dana Point. Deputy Deedrick and Cloud stood for several hours passing out candy and greeting children as they walked around in their Halloween costumes.
Cloud, an Arabian horse, proved to be a strong, loyal and dependable partner for several deputies throughout his career. He readily accepted any assignment he was given and was deployed more than 200 times during his tenure with the unit.
Cloud was owned and ridden by Deputy Deedrick, but he also has been a member of Sgt. Bruce Frazee’s family for the past 17 years. Cloud will deeply be missed by Deputy Deedrick, Sgt. Frazee, their families and the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who had the honor of working with him. Cloud, we thank you for your service.
The Mounted Enforcement Unit is comprised of sergeants, investigators, regular, reserve and extra help deputies working collateral to their normal duty assignments to provide security to various events throughout the year. As a force multiplier, the Mounted Enforcement Unit is an integral part of effective crowd management for large events, while also serving in a more traditional patrol function by working the canyons, parks and beaches. The Unit has expanded its role in the community to include school education and community outreach programs and a Mounted Color Guard to honor the flag at special events, parades, and funerals throughout the year.
