Trinity Cathedral Toasts San Jose Mounted Unit
 with a new Drinking Fountain

 San Jose, CA April 23, 1992.  The horses of the San Jose Mounted Unit now have an oasis in downtown San Jose.  Clergy from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral will bless a newly installed “horse bubbler” fountain as well as the horses of the Mounted Unit on Sunday, April 26, at 11:15 AM.  The horse bubbler, a float-operated drinking system supported by a sturdy wood structure, was built by parishioners and stands in the rear parking lost of the church at 81 North Second Street.

 The need for a refreshing liquid respite for the horses came to light through a conversation between Trinity’s Reverend Paula M. Whitmore and two of the patrol’s officers.  No convenient water source existed in the downtown area, so Whitmore, herself a horse owner, determined to remedy the situation.

 “Trinity Cathedral wants to say thank you for all the attention and protection the downtown receives from the Patrol and for the important “human” component offered through the horses,” Whitmore said.  “Trinity cares about everyone in the downtown, including thirsty horses!”

The duties of the Mounted Unit require enforcement and patrol of the entire downtown area, as well as of the creek chains and larger city parks, such as Alum Rock, Kelly, and Lake Cunningham, according to the Mounted Unit’s Sergeant Don Brister.  It does some search and rescue and crowd control, as well as participating in public speaking events and parades.

“Kids from all walks of life, some of whom have never come into contact with a horse, are able to see the horses, “Brister said.  “They also are able to see the police officers in a different light.”

Trinity Cathedral is located at 81 North Second St in San Jose.  It was established in 1861.