Published October 07. 2020 11:51AM
The 2020 Bridles and Badges open house at the Bethlehem Mounted Police stables may have been reduced in scope due to COVID-19; nonetheless it was still a successful event that saw the barbecue dinner sell out for two sittings and a new equine partner join the force.
Attendees needed to pre-register to gain access and either take their dinner to go, or enjoy the vittles spaced safely apart under one of two tents while listening to the music of The Verdict. Activities of past years, such as the more family- friendly pony rides, dunk tank and stable tours, had to be cut back, but training demonstrations and photo ops with the officers and their mounts were still possible.
Bridles and Badges 2020 also saw the introduction of Casper, a Clydesdale thoroughbred, who became the fifth mount in the patrol. Casper was added through the kindness of Cathy and Joe Perno and supporters had a chance to watch Officer Ryan Danko put him though a variety of exercises designed to desensitize horses so they accept normal human actions and built environments.
The mounted patrol merchandise tent was also busy, as volunteers from the Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police assisted people with their merchandise purchases and promoted the sale of tickets for a raffle to benefit the mounted patrol operations.
Two demonstration sessions afforded opportunities to view the training regimens that prepare each officer and horse for their duties.
Bridles and Badges supporters had to pre-register and then check in upon arrival due to COVID restrictions.
The mounted patrol merchandise stand was a popular way for attendees to show their support. It was staffed by Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police volunteers.
Bethlehem resident Art Oakes fills out his raffle ticket entry, hoping he'll win a 55-inch HD television.
Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police board president Diane Mack joins other volunteers in preparing the takeaway dinners.
Chef Doug Petruzzi of Pocono Produce Company, Inc. prepares the baked beans that were included on the dinner menu.
Some people stayed to enjoy their barbecue meal socially distanced under two large tents, while others took them home to eat later.
Horse #7: Entertainment was provided by The Verdict.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Jeanne Zander of Bethlehem poses in front of the Bethlehem Police Mounted Patrol. New patrol member Casper is in the center. More photos on A2.
Casper, Officer Ryan Danko, and Cathy and Joe Perno who made the acquisition of Casper possible through the Allison Nicole Perno Scholarship Fund, badged and introduced Casper at the event.
Officer Ryan Danko takes the newest equine partner Casper through a teeter-totter demo drill in front of “Bridles and Badges” guests.
