As the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo wraps up, so do the Career Success Tours that have taken place throughout the week. One such tour offered FFA members a behind-the-scenes look at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Mounted Patrol, and gave them a unique glimpse into a career that merges a passion for animals with law enforcement.
The tour, part of the FFA Animal Systems Pathway, allowed members to learn about careers where they could work directly with animals. Sergeant Greg Kessie, a Mounted Patrol Officer at IMPD, explained how caring for the patrol horses is an integral part of the officers’ day-to-day responsibilities.
“Officers work about 10-hour shifts, starting early in the morning. They check on the animals, feed them and ensure there were no issues overnight,” Kessie said. “Then they receive their assignments to go into the community.”
Sergeant Kessie also shared his enthusiasm for introducing FFA members to a career that blends their agricultural background with law enforcement. “I love challenging these students to consider a career in law enforcement, especially knowing they can combine their passion for animals and experience in agriculture with policing,” he added.
For Tri Valley FFA member Hayden Shine, the tour opened his eyes to a career path he hadn’t previously considered. “I’ve always been interested in law enforcement. My grandpa was a sheriff, and it was interesting to see this career combined with horses,” Shine said. “I thought it would be a cool experience.”
The IMPD Mounted Patrol is the department’s most requested unit, with a mission to foster positive relationships between community members and law enforcement.
Shine was particularly impressed with the facilities, which are set to expand with a brand-new horse barn and training center later this year. “It’s a really nice facility, and it was cool to see the officers in a more relaxed setting. It was a great opportunity to ask questions and understand more about what they do.”
