'Unstoppable': Darlington County Sheriff's Office Police Horse Buddy Dies at 24

Photo courtesy of Hartsville Police Department

HARTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) — The Hartsville Police Department says their beloved horse, Buddy, has died at the age of 24.

Buddy's career began in 2009 with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office, where he was the flagship member of his mounted unit alongside owner, Captain Kyle Hause.

“Both were unstoppable. Buddy and Hause then built the unit from the ground up, adding more equine teams over time,” the agency wrote on its Facebook page. “Buddy and Hause traveled to other states, combined forces with several other agencies, and helped them create mounted units as well.”

Buddy held numerous certifications, won numerous awards, and was a fixture at community events in Darlington County.

But he was also a key member of the police force.

“He searched everywhere, in places inaccessible to vehicles. He searched for missing people, including Brittany Drexel. He proudly served in Carrowinds, at football games and traveled to many other states,” Hartsville Police posted on Facebook.

Buddy was also a fixture at NASCAR events, where he would pose for pictures and let people pet him.

Buddy retired in 2016 and lived with Hause.

“He was always the first to be contacted and left a memorable impression on everyone he met. He was truly loved,” we read on the agency’s Facebook post.