Meet the Officers of the Mounted Patrol

Captain Stephanie Drescher

I started at MPD in 2009 as a patrol officer mainly on the West side. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2016, to Lieutenant in 2019 and to Captain in 2021. In addition to being the Executive Captain of Operations for the department, I also oversee the Mounted and K9 unit. During my tenure at the Madison Police Department, I have worked almost my entire career in patrol and have found so much value in the Mounted Unit. I am excited to continue working with the team and look forward to working with the Friends of Madison Mounted board.​

Lieutenant Tim Radke

I began my career with Madison Police Department in May of 2001. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and then to Lieutenant in 2017. During my MPD tenure, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of assignment, including Patrol, the Criminal Intelligence Section, as a Field Training Officer and Sergeant, on the Special Events Team, on one of our Community Policing Teams, as the Officer in Charge, and leading MPD’s Professional Standards and Internal Affairs Unit and our Forensics Services Unit. I am currently assigned as the Detective Lieutenant in the South District, and I have been honored to work for MPD and the City of Madison over the last 20+ years. It has been a privilege working with the communities we serve within the City of Madison, and with the Friends of Madison Mounted board, fine Officers that make up our Mounted Unit, and alongside all my co-workers at the MPD. I am committed to doing what it takes to keep the Madison Mounted team a respected and valuable unit to both MPD and to the communities we serve, and encourage everyone to meet the mounted team-the horses and the Officers-the next time you get a chance.

Officer Molly Thomson

Full-Time Rider

I have been an officer with the Madison Police Department since 2005. In addition to patrol services, I’ve worked as a member of a Community Policing Team, Criminal Investigative Services, and as a grenadier on the Special Events Team. I enjoy participating in community events and other opportunities to engage with the community, especially while on bicycle. I joined the Mounted Unit in 2016 and am enjoying the challenges and rewards of working with a horse.

Officer Thomas Coyne

Full-Time Rider

I have worked for the Madison Police Department since 2013 and joined the mounted patrol unit in 2019 as a part-time rider.  I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time as a Neighborhood Resource Officer in the South District and the City of Madison’s Addiction Resource Officer. I will begin serving as a full-time rider on the unit beginning 2023.  I enjoy the challenge and reward of a human and animal working relationship.  The partnership developed by rider and horse through training and trust is truly remarkable.  I value the approachability of our Mounted Unit and our effectiveness in crowds or search and rescue environments.  The support from our community members is incredible and we enjoy the opportunity for people to interact with us and the horses. Giddy up!

Officer Jessica Wolfe

Part-Time Rider

I started with MPD in 2016 as a patrol officer and worked mainly on the South side of Madison. I currently, work as the South District Neighborhood Officer since 2021. It is an incredible honor to be part of the MPD Mounted Team. When I am out in my neighborhood and I see MPD Mounted Police patrolling the area everyone comes from their homes to greet our horses. The excitement on citizen’s faces to interact with our mounted officers and horses gives me great passion to be part of this unit. There are many challenges working with horses that weigh close to one ton but those challenges far outweigh the rewards of being able to interact with the community. I look forward to continue building a partnership with the community on my trusty steed!

Officer Jessie Luedke

Part-Time Rider

I have been with the City of Madison Police Department since 2018 working as a night shift patrol officer. I have had horses my whole life and have always loved working with them. In 2013 I became interested in policing and discovered that Madison Police Department had a Mounted patrol unit. I reached out to the officers to learn more about the unit and they invited me to visit them. During this visit I learned how the horses could be a great tool for community outreach as well as a tactical advantage in specific circumstances. That experience brought me to the Madison Police department and I am excited to have the opportunity to be on the other side of that coin, now as an officer on the unit. I am honored to be a part of this unit and am excited to continue bringing the horses to the community.

Officer Elizabeth Erickson

Part-Time Rider

I have worked for the City of Madison Police Department since 2018. I am originally from MN but I enjoy the milder winters and lakes around here. I currently work out of the North District as a patrol officer. I also wear many hats and am involved with many different specialty groups and outreach groups within the department. I enjoy our community and I hope to continue to bridge gaps and build stronger relationships with our citizens. I love animals and think they can be a versatile medium to break the ice and teach us valuable life lessons.

Officer Rebecca Holmquest

Part-Time Rider

I have been a patrol officer with the Madison Police Department since 2019. I am assigned full time as a Community Outreach Officer and part-time on the Mounted Unit. I have spent most of my career thus far operating out of the West Police District. In addition to the Mounted Patrol Unit; I am a member of the Special Events Team, a mental health liaison, and a reality-based training actor. Ever since a young age I have had a passion for horses and enjoyed riding them every chance I got. Someone once told me “do what you love but call it work”; this really speaks to me as I am able to work in partnership with the horses and engage with the community in a unique way, all while carrying out my duties as a police officer.

Officer Nicholas Hill

Part-Time Rider

I started with MPD in 2019 and work in Patrol. I just recently joined the Mounted unit and look forward to meeting the community on horseback. I’ve always admired horses and seeing the interactions with the community is great. I spent a limited number of times learning to trail ride and watching my sister do barrel racing. I look forward to getting back “in the saddle” and engaging with the community. I look forward to trotting through a neighborhood near you and introducing myself.

Officer Cat Marino

Part-Time Rider

I have worked for the City of Madison Police Department since 2019. I currently work out of the South District as a patrol officer. In addition to having the privilege to be a member of the Mounted Patrol Unit I am also a mental health liaison and a member of the Special Events Team. I love animals and see the Mounted Unit as a wonderful opportunity to build bridges with the community and make lasting positive impressions. I look forward to continuing to grow with the unit and interacting with the community with the horses.

Officer Jeff Hayes

Part-Time Rider

I have been an officer with MPD since 2020.  Prior to that I spent 19 years in commercial lending.  I am honored and blessed to be part of the Madison Police Department and starting this year with the Mounted Patrol Unit.  I have worked in the city’s West and Midtown districts in the afternoon shifts in a patrol capacity.  I also serve as a mental health liaison officer, am a member of our recruiting cadre, and serve on the Honor Guard.  I was drawn to working with the Mounted Patrol Unit after having seen the horses, and riders, in action during the Mifflin Block Party in 2021.  I was impressed at how they altered the dynamic of a very stressful situation in a safe and positive way.  I have always loved animals and my sister is a horse owner but I certainly would not say I was “horse ready” until our riding academy spring 2023. After four weeks of intensive training I am ready and looking forward to being in the neighborhoods confidently riding while being an ambassador from the department to our community.  My thanks to MPD, the Friends of Madison Mounted, and our wonderful city for the support and privilege to be a part of this unit.

Officer Max Snyder

Part-Time Rider

I have been a patrol officer with the Madison Police Department since 2018. I have spent most of my time working in patrol in the East and Central districts. I have always enjoyed being around horses and introduced to riding by my wife.  I really enjoy seeing Madison from horseback and I can’t wait to meet you!