Full Notification

Independence Day celebrations in Arlington tomorrow will include the return of a historic Arlington Police Department Unit at the morning parade and an encore singing performance at the ballpark that night. The Arlington Police will debut the Arlington Police Auxiliary Mounted Patrol Unit Saturday morning at the 50th anniversary of the Arlington 4th of July Parade. In addition, before the Texas Rangers take the field at Globe Life Park Saturday night, Arlington Police Sergeant Ray Polk has been invited to return to the ballpark to sing the National Anthem and God Bless America after a performance in May.

Auxiliary Mounted Patrol Unit
The Arlington Police Department Auxiliary Mounted Patrol Unit consists of three officers and their horses. They will be in full APD uniform and have trained with their personal horses to re-establish the auxiliary unit that previously existed in the 1980s. Corporal Cliff Elliott and his horse, Buddy; Officer Tim Henz and his horse, Chubbs; and Detective Pam Gold and her horse, Opie, will debut at the parade. These officers will continue their regular job duties with the auxiliary mounted patrol operated in an off-duty capacity. This special role is an ancillary job duty available for private businesses and some city functions that request the unit. Additionally, in cases of an emergency where officers may be searching for a lost child in high brush areas or where higher visibility might aid in the investigation, the officers could be utilized for that public safety need.

Sergeant Ray Polk
In May, the Texas Rangers hosted Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and highlighted the Peace Officers’ Angels Foundation. At that game, Sgt. Polk was invited to sing “God Bless America.” His performance received such rave reviews that he was invited to return for the July 4th game and sing the “National Anthem” during pre-game ceremonies and “God Bless America” during the 7th inning. Sgt. Ray Polk was a finalist for the television show, American Idol back in 2005 before joining the Arlington Police Department.