Mounted Patrol Unit

The Mono County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Unit works in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, such as the Bishop Police Department, Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, Mammoth Lakes Police Department , United States Forest Service, along with other Governmental Agencies that also have mounted units.

The combined detail is a collateral duty with members working various times throughout the year during high crowd attendance events within Inyo and Mono Counties.

The only Mono County Mounted Officer who is currently active is Sergeant Phil West. Sergeant West has been riding horses all his life. He owns and maintains a horse training facility in the Hammil Valley area with his wife and family. His current partner is “Abby”.

The Mounted Patrol Unit routinely attends various statewide events: one such event is the California Peace Officer Memorial Service held in Sacramento. The unit provides patrol assistance with other large gatherings throughout Mono and Inyo Counties; such as the Crowley Lake 4th of July Celebration, Bridgeport Founders Day Event, Bishop's "Mule Days," and the Lone Pine Film Festival. The detail is also periodically called upon to assist in the locating of evidence.