September 13, 2005, 6:33 AM

DETROIT (AP) — A businessman says he is seeking pledges to save the police department’s 112-year-old horseback unit, but police say the move is unlikely to succeed.

Detroit police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings said she is disbanding the unit, with six officers and nine horses, in a cost-saving move.

Bob Raisch of Lathrup Village, owner of the sign company Supersine and a retired Marine brigadier general, said he will raise money for the department’s police foundation if it goes to the horse unit.

“As of today, I have $25,000 committed from people and I have yet to ask for the first nickel,” Raisch told the Detroit Free Press on Monday. “When the city is in trouble, that’s when private citizens have got to step forward and start picking up part of the load.” [article]

What about the human cops that are losing their jobs en masse? What about my friend Mike, who would make a damn good cop (finished in the top of his academy, shoots marksman, and tests above 5% in every entrance exam) but can’t get a job? Where’s the love for the two footed “pigs” – they are becoming a rare breed. There are cops that are pricks, but most are good people and love their community and risk their lives for us…where’s the local business support for them?