News
Welcome Riptide to The Ocean City Police Department
By Katie RuskeyMarch 12, 20232 min read
Riptide and PFC Sierra Stevens at Northside Park
Rip is a 6 year old Percheron, who is allowed to work up to 7 days a week! However when the hot and steamy summer months approach, Ocean City patrons will only see him 3-5 days a week.
When asked if Riptide will have an actual work schedule like a person, the OCPD responded. “It all depends on the animal. A horse regresses from its training much faster than other animals. However, they have the second-best memory (first, elephants) of all animals and help them regain their skills very well. We try to ride in town as much as possible but sometimes we do remedial training.”
When Riptide isn’t working he gets to reside on a farm in Worcester County with the other equine members of the Mounting Unit, Benson, Moose, Storm and Major.
Moose the OCPD horse smiling for the camera.
As Riptide gets older, the OCPD will continue to monitor him and his health to determine how long he can work on the force. “We really start to evaluate their health when they get closer to 20 years of age. But with Ripetide’s size, 19.2 hands high and 2,200lbs we will keep a closer eye on his health.”
OCPD Horse: Storm
To become a member of the Mounting Unit in Ocean City, horses and riders alike must attend rigorous training. “Only one in every ten horses are suited for this line of work. Horses selected for the unit go through two to three months of sensory obstacle training. This training progressively gets more intense throughout looking to ‘bomb proof’ the horse. The veteran horses are involved in this training to continue their training and also assist the new horse through their training. This training will continue throughout their career.”
OCPD Horse- Major
If you’re old and about on the boardwalk this summer, feel free to stop and say hello to Riptide and congratulate him on his new position with the Ocean City Police Department. However, as with any working animal, please keep your distance and remember- you’re on vacation, but he’s still on the job. About Katie Ruskey
Katie Ruskey is a local author, splitting her time between Baltimore and Ocean City. Her debut fiction novel, Marlin Week, was released in August 2022 based on three captains that fish in the infamous White Marlin Open. Her first children's book, The A B Seas of Ocean City, Maryland takes young readers on a tour of OC. For more information on how to purchase her books, visit her website www.kruskeyauthor.com or follow her on IG/FB at Katherine Ruskey Author.
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