Hamilton police name newest member of mounted patrol unit

The Hamilton Police Service now has a name for its newest mounted police horse.

The five-year-old Percheron Cross has been named Argyll following a city-wide search that garnered more than 4,000 entries and nearly 1,200 unique name submissions.

Residents were tasked with coming up with a submission that either reflected Hamilton Police Service’s vision, mission and values, had significance to the Hamilton community, had a connection to local military heritage, or was related to a former Hamilton police officer.

“We thank the community for their patience as we selected the name,” said Chief Eric Girt in a news release. “We were overwhelmed with the community’s response. From our oldest citizens to our youngest, we heard suggestions from across our city.”

The name honours the close relationship between the Hamilton Police Service and the local regiment, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s).

The winning name was supposed to be announced in late March but was delayed due to the pandemic.

Argyll will join Barron, Griffin, Lincoln, MacNab, and RHLI on patrol before Barron retires from service in late 2020.