New Facility for Kent County Sheriff Department Mounted Unit

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony and open house of New Mounted Unit facility located in Rockford. The ceremony will be hosted by Kent County Sheriff Larry A. Stelmaat the facility’s location at 4687 Kroes Street NE (NW corner of Wolverine Blvd. and Kroes St./East of Rockford HS) on Thursday, November 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Mounted Unit has completed Phase 1 of the capital project, including renovation of a century old barn with temporary stables for the horses, three stall garage for tack and storage, 3.5 acre pasture with new fencing and outdoor training arena. The horses of the Mounted Unit have been displaced since the closing of the Honor Camp in northern Kent County in early 2011.

Phase 2 and 3 of the private, donor-led project are scheduled for 2012 and designs include an indoor training arena, riding trails, new stables, administrative offices, classroom and locker rooms and an interactive/ observation area for the public.

“This is really exciting news,”said City Manager Michael Young during the regular City Council meeting Monday, November 14. “It will be good to have them so close.”