The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of a true hero and beloved partner: Duke, a cherished member of their Mounted Unit, has died suddenly. For almost a decade, Duke proudly served the community alongside Deputy Cloversettle, who not only handled him but treated him like his very own.
But Duke was more than a workhorse; he stood tall at countless community events, gentle and steady, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike. Whether Duke was providing his calming presence to comfort or helping bridge a gap between community members and their local deputies, his influence extended far beyond law enforcement.
His service extended into critical moments. Duke played an instrumental role in a number of searches and rescues, traversing difficult terrain and responding with unwavering focus whenever someone was in need. Among the defining moments in his career came in 2019, when he led a search that ultimately led to the saving of the life of a person in crisis. For that act of courage, Duke received the Life Saving Award-a testament to his bravery and instinct to protect.
But Duke wasn’t only a lifesaver, he was also a mentor. Many of the younger horses who later came into the Mounted Unit learned from him, followed his lead, and benefited from his patient and confident nature. His guidance helped mold the next generation of service horses.
To his fellow riders and handlers, Duke was so much more than a partner on patrol. He was an instructor, a steadfast teammate, and a dear friend. He will be deeply missed and has left an irreplaceable void within the agency and within the hearts of all who knew him well.
Duke’s loyalty, strength, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten. It is the legacy that lives on in the community he served and in the officers and horses he took under his care.
