KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Knoxville Police Department announced on Tuesday an original member of its Mounted Patrol Unit has retired.
Waggoner was recently diagnosed with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), the department said. It’s a common genetic muscular disorder that can cause discomfort and limit a horse’s ability to perform strenuous activity.
The condition is hereditary and was previously undiagnosed in Waggoner, but KPD said he recently began showing symptoms.
Waggoner was purchased with federal grant funding through Texas-based Mounted Patrol International LLC in late 2024 and officially hit the streets in May.
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Due to Waggoner’s previously undiagnosed condition, KPD said