(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A retired Mounted Unit equine partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has passed after a long career of serving the community.

According to EPSO, Major Bradley was a 24-year-old Quarter Horse who had served with the Sheriff’s Office since 2008. He recently retired from official duty in January.

“I am saddened to announce the passing of Major Bradley and mourn with our Mounted Unit and community,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Major Bradley was a Sheriff’s Office staple, the equine leader of our Mounted Unit team, always dependable, determined, and ready to work. You could always find him at a community event where hundreds of families enjoyed learning about our Mounted Unit and engaging with our deputies and their equine partners. Major Bradley will be dearly missed, and his absence will be greatly noticed as we continue our mission of serving and protecting our citizens.”

Major Bradley End of Watch. Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

EPSO said during a routine barn check on Monday morning, March 3, a member of the Mounted Unity noticed one of Major Bradley’s legs was extremely swollen, and a veterinarian was called. After examination and x-rays, the vet confirmed Major Bradley had severely fractured his leg. The decision was made to humanely euthanize him.

According to EPSO, during his nearly 18-year career, Major Bradley participated in countless parades, presidential details, advanced training and schools, rescue operations, and searches, including work on the Gannon Stauch case. He also helped patrol the 2008 Democratic National Convention, EPSO said.

“Since joining the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit, Major Bradley exemplified every attribute of being a police horse, and his demeanor has been used as an example for other agencies throughout the Pikes Peak region,” EPSO said.