Officer Lamas Joins MEU's Cross-Saber Pin Recipients

Have you ever wondered about the significance of the cross-saber pins worn by some police officers? These pins proudly symbolize their full qualifications in our Mounted Enforcement Unit. To earn the right to wear this distinctive pin, officers undergo rigorous training, including a 40-hour internal mounted school, and pass the HBPD Basic Rider Proficiency test.

Once these dedicated officers complete these milestones, they progress to a 40-hour, POST-approved Basic Mounted Officer Course, allowing them to deploy within Huntington Beach under the guidance of one of our POST Mounted Instructors. During this time, officers learn riding skills and maneuvers, mounted unit formations and movements, mounted patrol tactics, crowd control, use of the horse baton, and legal issues. Additionally, the officer and their mount will learn the basic skills necessary to effectively deal with potential real-life mounted patrol situations, including exposing them to gunshots, fireworks, and crowds so they won't spook if chaos erupts. After gaining experience, officers face a Pre-Regional Deployment Riding Test to qualify for regional mutual aid requests from Orange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit agencies.

Last month, Officer Lamas assisted the Anaheim Police Department's Mounted Enforcement Unit during the Monster Energy AMA Supercross event at the Angel Stadium and earned her Cross-Saber pin. Reflecting on her experience, Huntington Beach Police Officer Lamas said, “One of the best things about being in the mounted patrol is being out there with the public. It’s a different and unique way to serve our community.”

With over 13 years of policing experience, Officer Lamas joined the Mounted Enforcement Unit in September 2022. Embracing her role in the Mounted Enforcement Unit as an ancillary responsibility to her full-time patrol duties, Officer Lamas has enjoyed patrolling the streets of Huntington Beach from a saddle and a horse. Please join us in congratulating Officer Lamas for this remarkable accomplishment!