Madison, WI, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Brandon Taylor has rejoined 27 News as an evening anchor, bringing back his experience from previous roles. In a related development, the Madison Police Mounted Patrol has introduced a new horse, Spirit, enhancing community engagement efforts. This 6-year-old Percheron gelding is the largest in the unit, symbolizing trust and approachability. Funding for the patrol heavily relies on donations, highlighting the commitment to community rapport.
Madison Welcomes Brandon Taylor Back to 27 News and Introduces New Horse to Mounted Patrol
Madison, WI – Brandon Taylor has officially returned to the evening news team at 27 News, where he will anchor broadcasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. on weeknights starting in April 2023. Taylor previously served as an anchor for “Wake Up Wisconsin” from 2014 to 2018 before taking on new challenges in different markets.
Graduating from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC in 2007, Taylor earned a degree in Communications and Journalism. His career began at a television station in Myrtle Beach before he made his way back to Wisconsin, a place he considers his home. Taylor expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the 27 Newsroom and serving the community once again.
In related news, the Madison Police Mounted Patrol has welcomed a new member, a 6-year-old Percheron gelding named Spirit. A badge ceremony was recently held at Vel Phillips Memorial High School to mark Spirit’s official introduction, attended by the school’s cheer team and representatives of the Madison Police Department. Standing at over 18 hands tall and weighing 1,900 pounds, Spirit is the youngest and largest member of the six-horse unit.
Officers describe Spirit as an energetic and charismatic addition to the team. Madison Police Chief John Patterson highlighted the Mounted Patrol’s essential role in fostering strong connections with the community, viewing Spirit as a symbol of trust, presence, and approachability.
The Madison Police Mounted Patrol has a variety of responsibilities including crowd control, search and rescue operations, and improving police-community relationships. The current unit comprises six horses, each carefully selected and trained to meet operational standards.
Spirit and the other horses in the Mounted Patrol live at The Horse First Farm in Brooklyn and are acquired from private sellers throughout the region. Before they can officially join the unit, new horses like Spirit undergo a demanding training program that prepares them to handle various stressors encountered in their duties. After two years of probation, horses receive a badge and are fully integrated into the patrol.
Funding for the Mounted Patrol is primarily derived from donations contributed through the nonprofit Friends of Madison Mounted Patrol. This organization plays a crucial role in providing essential resources like horses, trucks, trailers, and equipment, which are vital for the patrol’s operations. Furthermore, the Community Corral program allows horses to engage with local neighborhoods from April through November, enhancing community bond and outreach.
In a related initiative, the UW-Madison Police Department has announced the return of their mounted police units, recently introducing two new horses named after female athletes, reaffirming the significance of mounted patrols in law enforcement.
FAQ
Who is Brandon Taylor?
Brandon Taylor is a returning evening anchor at 27 News, with previous experience on “Wake Up Wisconsin” and a degree in Communications and Journalism.
What is significant about the new horse Spirit in the Madison Police Mounted Patrol?
Spirit is a 6-year-old Percheron gelding, the largest and youngest horse in the unit, weighing 1,900 pounds. He symbolizes trust, approachability, and community engagement.
How is the Madison Police Mounted Patrol funded?
The Mounted Patrol is primarily funded through donations from the nonprofit Friends of Madison Mounted Patrol, which provides essential resources for the unit.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brandon Taylor’s Background | Returned to 27 News as evening anchor in April 2023, previously anchored “Wake Up Wisconsin” from 2014 to 2018. |
| Spirit’s Introduction | 6-year-old Percheron gelding, weighs 1,900 pounds, stands over 18 hands tall; welcomed with a badge ceremony. |
| Mounted Patrol Responsibilities | Crowd control, search and rescue, community relationships. |
| Funding Sources | Primarily through donations via Friends of Madison Mounted Patrol. |
| Community Engagement | Community Corral program runs from April through November to foster neighborhood connections. |
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Additional Resources
- City of Madison News
- WKOW News
- 608 Today
- WISN 12 News
- FOX 47 News
- Wikipedia: Mounted Police
- Google Search: Madison Police Mounted Patrol
- Google Scholar: Mounted Police Units
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mounted Police
- Google News: Madison Mounted Patrol
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