Retired Tampa Mounted Patrol Horse 'Mr. Bill' Dies

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Retired Tampa mounted patrol horse Mr. Bill, also known as Bishop, has died the department announced Thursday. He was almost 33 years old.

According to the department, Mr. Bill was donated to the Tampa Police Department Mounted Unit in the fall of 2002 by Ms. Henrichsen and her mother, Ms. Gesell.

He was assigned to Officer E. McNally-Schantz and both quickly formed a close partnership.

Mr. Bill lived a full life of service to the community, police said. He was seen at countless community outreach demonstrations and school programs and spent many weekends patrolling the bar district in Ybor City.

He also worked many concerts and collegiate and professional games in the city, including the 2005 Super Bowl in Jacksonville.

He was the Riderless horse for several local law enforcement funerals, as well as the Riderless horse at the annual Florida State Peace Officers’ Memorial ceremonies.

He and Officer McNally-Schantz traveled with other TPD officers to Gulfport, MS to conduct search and rescue patrols after Hurricane Katrina.

They also competed in several Florida Police and Fire Olympic Games, bringing home numerous medals in the Mounted events. In spring 2010, Cpl. E. McNally-Schantz made the decision to retire Mr. Bill, due to chronic tendon issues in his left front leg.

Mr. Bill was retired to a small animal vet in Polk County, where he lived a life of ease and rest.

Tampa police said for the past nine months, he was cared for and loved by retired Lakeland Police Chief Debra Henson, her husband, and their golden retriever, Dash.

Mr. Bill passed away of natural causes in Deb’s loving arms, Tampa police said.