Lou Dillon in his stall with his official honorary “police horse” badge.
Lou Dillon was awarded an honorary Mounted Unit Police Badge from the LAPD Mounted Unit on Saturday, April 30th, in a ceremony that included the Chief of Police, the officers who helped to rescue him from the streets of Watts as well as members from the LAPD’s Mounted Unit. The LAPD bestowed upon Lou Dillon a plaque as well as the badge that has been mounted to his stall at Hanaeleh.
Lou Dillon waiting for his official LAPD Mounted Unit honorary member badge.
Lou Dillon had been found running around by the Watts towers in Los Angeles during a torrential rainstorm in February 2019. LAPD Officer Robert Yanez, who took the call to rescue Lou Dillon and stayed with him for several hours while he was waiting for animal control to arrive, was at the ceremony along with Officer Sonia Dibell, another LAPD officer who helped in Lou Dillon’s rescue and placement at Hanaeleh.
Have you heard all the details of Lou Dillon’s rescue? You can read our 3-part story beginning HERE.
The event was hosted by Sharon Smith at Hearts and Hooves Ranch in Norco. Members of the LAPD and their families, as well as volunteers and supporters of Hanaeleh (and especially Lou Dillon!) were there to commemorate this very special occasion.
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- “Are all these people here for me?”
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- Officer Robert Yanez having a conversation with Lou.
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- We brought Tamahome along so Lou Dillon would have a friend.
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- Elizabeth and Tamahome
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- Officers Sonia Dibell and Robert Yanez tell the story of Lou’s rescue.
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- The LAPD Mounted Unit share their experiences working with horses and the community.
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- Presenting Lou Dillon’s honorary member award.
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- Lou’s official plaque.
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- Elizabeth (found of Hanaeleh) accepts Lou Dillon’s award.
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- Officer Yanez shares his experience becoming friends with Lou Dillon over the past 3 years.
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- Officer Yanez presents Lou Dillon’s honorary badge.
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- Elizabeth, Robert and Sonia.
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- The LAPD Mounted Unit, Sonia, Elizabeth and Lou Dillon!
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- Lou Dillon’s award and badge (which is now mounted on his stall at Hanaeleh)
