Horse cop hero mourned

Kevin Bradfield was just six when he rode a horse for the first time and he remembers only the happiness of being in the saddle.

Brigadier, the eight-year-old Belgian cross he rode with the Toronto Police mounted unit, brought him that same joy.

The constable struggled against tears yesterday during a memorial at Ricoh Coliseum as he paid tribute to Brigadier, the horse credited with saving the officer's life.

He hailed Brigadier -- euthanized nearly two weeks ago after the 680-kilogram horse was badly injured in a hit-and-run accident -- a "true hero" which made the "ultimate sacrifice."

Bradfield, on the mend from rib, knee and leg injuries, ended his eulogy to a standing ovation.

Brigadier's death prompted an outpouring of grief.

Tue, March 7, 2006

By SUN MEDIA