SACRAMENTO – California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Warren Stanley will grab the reins and ride with Deputy Commissioner Scott Silsbee, Assistant Commissioner Nick Norton, and the CHP’s Mounted Patrol Unit for the 130th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2019.

This year marks the third appearance for the CHP’s all draft horse equestrian unit, which was chosen to participate in this year’s celebration from among hundreds of applicants; however, this will be a first for the Commissioner and members of his executive staff.

“The CHP is honored to be a part of the New Year’s Day tradition,” said Commissioner Stanley. “Scott, Nick, and I are excited to join the CHP’s elite team of equestrian riders along the parade route this year; it is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

On Wednesday, seven horses – three Belgians, two Shires, a Percheron, and a Clydesdale – along with members of the CHP’s Mounted Patrol Unit left the Capitol in Sacramento to travel to Pasadena to, once again, be a part of the more than 100-year-old tradition, which includes flower-covered floats, marching bands, and other equestrian units from across the nation. The CHP is among one of 18 equestrian entries in this year’s Rose Parade.

The CHP’s mounted patrol officers are assigned to the Capitol Protection Section and are responsible for patrolling the State Capitol and Capitol Park, as well as hundreds of state properties in downtown Sacramento. The Mounted Patrol Unit is used for general patrol and other enforcement and security assignments.

Next year, 2019, will mark the 90th anniversary of the CHP and the 32nd anniversary of the Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.