Published September 29. 2015 12:00AM
Police and Lehigh University officials welcomed a new officer to the city’s ranks on a beautiful Sept. 24 morning, and under the Red White and Blue in front of the historic University Center announced the young stallion’s name: Asa. The addition of the brown and white horse is a continuation of the ongoing partnership between the college and the city, and was paid for by a Lehigh donation to the Friends of the Bethlehem Police Mounted Unit nonprofit, which supports the animals’ care year round.
Officer Jon Buskirk and Pharaoh, left, help introduce Asa and his rider, Officer Jason Holschwander, to friends and passing students. Buskirk says each animal costs about $3,000 per year to maintain. Asa is replacing the retired Raven on patrol for about 30-40 hours a week.
