Look who’s featured on Hamilton PD’s popular ornament this year

Tiny horses are pulling Santa’s sleigh this year as the featured design on the Hamilton Police Department’s commemorative ornaments.

Since 2007, the ornaments have been a traditional gift to police officers and can also be purchased by the public.

Throughout 2016, police have partnered with Seven Oaks Farm Miniature Therapy Horses at events with children, so featuring the adorable equine on the popular ornaments seemed like a perfect idea.

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The hand-painted glass ornaments, in past years have featured winter scenes in the city and a police cruiser as well as the sculpture in front of the police station, called "Come Unto Me."

Last year's ornament featured the department's police dog, Flash , chasing the Grinch and quickly sold out. In 2012, Officer Bob Gentry, the department's beloved school resource officer and Safety Town instructor was featured following his death in July of that year.

This year’s ornament was again designed by Sky Sloderbeck, the department’s community engagement specialist.

Sloderbeck said she began thinking about the holidays when the weather was still warm, taking a trip to Seven Oaks Farm in Ross Twp., where the horses donned Christmas attire for a photo shoot.

“We were so excited to be included,” said Lisa Moad of Seven Oaks Farm. “They turned out really great.”

Hamilton police say the miniature horses are ambassadors for officers at events, opening up lines of communication with children and adults.

“A lot of the events we go to we have them (miniature horses) with us and they are a huge hit,” said Sgt. Brian Robinson. “Kids love them, we have had them at Safety Town. They bring people in and it allows us to interact on more of a human level with the citizens … take the barriers down.”

The police department is making plans to take the horses to Hamilton schools in 2017.

The ornaments are paid for by donations and money raised goes to various community outreach programs sponsored by the Hamilton Police Department.

To purchase a 2016 ornament for $10, or even a previous year’s ornament, contact the public affairs department at 513-868-5811, ext. 2007, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

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