Women in the Mounted Unit: From Pearl Kray to Today

Woman's History Month

As part of Women’s History Month, the Cleveland Division of Police is highlighting the legacy of women in its Mounted Unit.

It began with Pearl E. Kray, the first woman to serve in the unit over 100 years ago—though her role looked quite different from those of today’s mounted officers.

Much has changed in the past 111 years. Today, Officer Dugan continues that legacy as part of a Mounted Unit that’s known for its visible, community-centered presence. While their work is often ceremonial or picturesque, the unit is also assigned to the Traffic Unit, handling crowd control and neighborhood patrols.

Mounted officers remain a vital part of public safety at parades, events, and in downtown Cleveland.

Read Pearl’s story, courtesy of the Cleveland Police Museum.


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