Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn welcomed the newest addition to the stable of five horses that comprise the County's Mounted Unit and congratulated Allison Lynch for entering the winning name - Northern Reflection - in the recent 'Name the Horse Contest' sponsored by the Sheriff's Mounted Unit. The 11-year-old is entering 6th grade at Quest Elementary School in Hilton.

"Allison's entry struck everyone as the right choice and suits the horse perfectly," said O'Flynn. "I congratulate Allison for her winning entry and am pleased to welcome Northern Reflection to the County's Mounted Unit."

More than 400 entries were submitted, many from students participating in the County's DARE Program. The name Northern Reflection was selected because it includes reference to the fact that the Percheron black gelding, 16.1 hands tall, four year-old horse was purchased from a Canadian horse training facility.

Northern Reflection replaces Mack, a mounted unit horse who died recently.

Jim Godshall, an experienced Mounted patrol officer and a DARE instructor, will be assigned to Northern Reflection.

The five horses and five officers that comprise the Sheriff's Mounted Unit serve as a supplement to the patrol function. Their duties generally consist of vehicular and pedestrian traffic control at special events, major shopping malls, parks and villages. They also participate in searches, crowd control at special events, and assist during VIP visits.