Marion County residents have voted to name the newest equine deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office “Justice.” The sheriff’s mounted unit, led by Lieutenant Mike Joyner, has been in operation for over 60 years and is actively involved in community events, training twice a month and meeting monthly.

In addition to Justice, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit includes four other horse deputies named Blue, Chip, Sky, and Waylon. The unit serves as a tower of law enforcement visibility during crowd control and special events, ensuring the safety and security of attendees.

The Ocala Police Department’s mounted unit, which was disbanded in 2004 and reinstated in 2020, includes horses Merci and Lancelot. During a pinning ceremony last October, the OPD welcomed these horses to its department, showcasing the importance of mounted units in law enforcement.