New Castle County Police mourn the loss of retired horse Tonka

Tonka, the New Castle County Police Mounted Patrol horse, served with distinction from 2004 until his retirement in 2018. (Photo Courtesy of New Castle County Police)

The New Castle County Division of Police is mourning the loss of Tonka, a retired Mounted Patrol horse who served the community with distinction for more than a decade.

Tonka, a Percheron born on April 10, 1997, began his life pulling plows before joining the New Castle County Police Mounted Patrol Unit in 2004. Standing at 17.2 hands tall and weighing 2,000 pounds, Tonka was known for his impressive stature and jet-black coat.

Just a year into his police service, Tonka made his mark on the national stage. In 2005, he earned first place in the uniformed competition at the North American Police Equitation Competition (NAPEC), outshining over 100 competitors.

Tonka returned to the competition in 2012 and again took home first place in the uniformed division, securing his reputation as one of the most accomplished police horses in the country.

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After retiring from active duty in July 2018, Tonka remained at Carousel Park, where he became a cherished part of the Carousel Park & Equestrian Center’s lesson program. He was known for his gentle nature and steady presence, helping students of all ages discover confidence and joy in riding.

Tonka passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, at the age of 28.

“He served our community with honor and heart, and his legacy will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him,” the New Castle County Police wrote in a statement. 

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.