Saving Portland’s Mounted Patrol: How New Technology Can Keep Us Human

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Sunday, September 14, 2014

Bob Ball, GoLocalPDX Contributor

A touch of magic happens when Portlanders see a horse in the middle of the city. With a police officer sitting atop, somehow it instantly brings in the wonder of central and eastern Oregon right into the middle of the city. Concrete and steel meet our roots as a western town and remind us to keep our natural and human connections.

Ironically, modern technology played the largest part in saving this treasured Portland icon.

In March 2013, when Portland’s Mounted Patrol wound up on the city budget chopping block, TV News was breaking the story and asked the Friends of the Mounted Patrol, a nonprofit organization founded to support the Mounted Patrol, to come on air to make a statement. Within minutes, a movement sprang into action. Before the interview had even begun, volunteers launched a Facebook page, Save Portland’s Mounted Patrol, which promoted an online petition to the City Council.

Within three weeks, the page had more than 7,000 fans and a petition through change.org gathered 4,651 signatures, from Portland and 30 countries around the world. Each petitioner automatically emailed the entire City Council when they signed. People pleaded with the council, saying the Mounted Patrol provided an unparalleled benefit to our city. 

Facebook groups

Two “groups” on Facebook were also created to bring supporters together – gathering ideas and volunteers for fundraising and outreach. 

At a critical time during the budget hearings, hundreds of Portland residents were recruited on Facebook to appear at the hearings. Talking points were shared and organized regarding the importance of the Mounted Patrol. 

In the end, supporters of the Mounted Patrol showed up to all three city budget hearings to highlight the importance of this iconic treasure to the city. They came waving handmade signs to encourage the City Council to agree to keep the horses in the budget. 

By the time the third budget hearing took place, the mayor, City Council, and police chief had seen the importance of the horses to the public and came to an agreement to keep the Mounted Patrol. The organizers of the movement presented a short thank-you at the hearing and supporters stood behind, wearing “Save Portland’s Mounted Patrol” stickers and holding signs.

Power of the people

The power of the people and the Internet was felt and the council agreed to add the MP back into the budget with a big condition - that the Friends raise $200,000 a year for two years to help the program through tough budget times. 

Again, technology played a key role in overcoming this seemingly insurmountable hurdle. With the Facebook page now numbering more than 20,000 fans, supporters were able to follow the activities of the nonprofit, the horses, and were able to communicate with each other about fundraising events and potential sponsors. They continued to share personal stories about their interactions with the police horses, and major sponsors were recognized in groups and websites.  

With these efforts and a community coming together, the Friends have met their agreement with the city council to raise the first $200,000. Facebook, emails, newsletters, and event announcements online have brought thousands of people together to raise the necessary funds to keep our majestic animals a part of Portland and our history.  

In an amazing reminder to us all, technology ended up ensuring that we not forget our most natural and human connections. 

People and businesses who want to help the campaign to Save Portland’s Mounted Patrol can donate and get information at www.ourmountedpatrol.com. 

Bob Ball has developed more than 1,000 residential and commercial real estate units. He is a 19-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, holding the rank of reserve Commander, and is president of Friends of the Mounted Patrol.

Homepage Photo Credit: Save Portland’s Mounted Patrol Facebook Page 

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