Pompey on Patrol

By William J. Keresey III

Turn back the clock. It's the start of the 20th century in New York City. Police Officer Redmond Keresey is on patrol astride his magnificent horse, Pompey. Redmond has no cell phone or even a two-way radio to summon assistance. But he has a unique partner: Pompey. Together they can rapidly respond to a developing problem; control an unruly crowd; transport an injured party to the hospital; stop a runaway carriage; and even ferret out the criminal in a lineup.
Pompey on Patrol is the true story of Roundsman Redmond Keresey and his equine partner of 17 years. Told by his great-grandson, William J. Keresey III, you'll discover the remarkable story of a horse who became the talk of the nation. Pompey's heroic police exploits were reported in newspapers across the country, and this four-footed officer entertained crowds as they watched in amazement at a horse who could add, subtract, even multiply.
The author, William J. Keresey III, Billy, is the fourth generation of police officers in his family. Raised in the law enforcement profession, his fondest bedtime stories were about Pompey. As Billy discovered, what he thought was just family folklore was all true. He wanted to share the story of an exceptional police duo who kept the streets of New York much safer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: William J. Keresey III
• Release date: Jan 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311961532

William J. Keresey III

William J. Keresey III, known to his friends as Billy, comes from a long, distinguished line of police officers. His great-grandfather Redmond P. Keresey was a mounted police officer in New York City from 1883-1906. Redmond's equine partner was Pompey, and the two served together for 17 years.Billy joined the Larchmont police force on April 4, 1966 and was named Chief in 1986. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2001. He wrote Pompey On Patrol to share the amazing and delightful story of the wonderful partnership between his great-grandfather and his trusted horse. Today, Billy and his wife Gloria live in North Carolina. Billy and his collie, Lakota make weekly visits to several local nursing homes and day-care centers. The duo also participate in the Hickory, NC library "Paws to Read" reading program for children.

Book preview

POMPEY ON PATROL

A NYC POLICE HORSE AND HIS PARTNER,

ROUNDSMAN REDMOND P. KERESEY

WILLIAM J. KERESEY III

CHIEF OF POLICE, LARCHMONT, NY (RET.)

Copyright 2016 William J. Keresey III

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cover photos © William J. Keresey III

DEDICATION

For my grandparents, Tada and William J. Keresey (Chief of Police, Larchmont, N.Y., 1934-1974), who raised me from the age of three.

Gram and Gramp provided me with a loving home that created a calling. I knew at an early age that a career in law enforcement was to be my destiny.

It was my grandmother Tada who first told me about this remarkable horse named Pompey. It was 60 years later when I learned, through the marvel of the Internet, that not only were the stories true, but that there was so much more to know about Pompey and my great-grandfather Redmond as well. After completing extensive research, I can't help but feel that their remarkable journey has much to teach us today.

It was my grandfather who, through his example, taught me that by serving God's children I would actually be serving God. That service opened my mind to the reality that we are all One with each other and One with God. As I struggle to be ever mindful of this truth, it remains my goal to always endeavor to see another's problem as equal to my own.

I remain ever grateful to all those in law enforcement and public service, as well as the legions of people who crossed my path. Each in their own way taught me and enriched my life in countless ways.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In grateful appreciation to Larchmont, New York Mayor Cheryl Lewy (Ret.), who after reading my first draft not only encouraged me to take it to publication, but started me on my path. Mayor Lewy put me in touch with author Kate Kelly formerly of Larchmont, New York. Kate, also thought the story had merit and referred me to the Evelyn David partnership of Marian Edelman Borden and Rhonda Dossett. They believed that the draft of Pompey was a lovely gem of a story. Clearly, without the assistance and direction of Evelyn David, the story would have remained buried in a file drawer entitled, Wishful Thinking. I am indebted to them for their direction; expertise, professionalism and steadfast encouragement in bringing my dream to fruition.

I am extremely indebted to Leslie McClellan of the Children's Section of the Patrick Beaver