Reported By: Roxanne Stein
They are here to protect us..and deputies are on the streets every day working to keep us safe.
Citizens Observers Patrols drive the streets to provide extra eyes and ears for the sheriff..
In this morning's from the anchor desk, Roxanne Stein introduces us to another group of volunteers-who patrol on horseback.
Maryann and Helmut Schmitt have a passion for horseback riding.
Helmut Schmitt: "We don't have a routine, we ride whenever we can."
10 years ago, they took their riding to a different level when the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office started a volunteer mounted patrol..
Helmut Schmitt: "We're the eyes and ears for the sheriff's office." "We signed everybody up and got everybody certified and began patrolling.."
Today, there are more than 100 citizen observers on horseback..each volunteering not only their time, but their horses, trailers and trucks to patrol all areas of the county.
SGT. John Howley/PBSO: "In the last fiscal year they put in 6000 hours on patrol and the sheriff's office only had to pay for their shirts."
There's an advantage to being on a horse when you are looking for trouble.
"Sometimes they go thru the woods here a lot of bushes. They can't get in with a car and we can go in with the horses.."
Maryann Schmitt: "People stop us and ask for help and directions..we call 911 do anything you would normally do you-don't get involved, put yourself in danger..you call the appropriate agency."
An idea that's helping residents..and the law.
SGT. John Howley/PBSO: "Very dedicated to the cause of crime prevention which is what these guys do."
Helmut Schmitt: "It's what I like to do first of all, I like to ride, and I do something good for the community on my horse..
The sheriff's office is looking for more mounted volunteer patrols.
For More Information Contact:
Helmut Schmitt (561) 281-3014
