A horse named Asa

The Lehigh University and Bethlehem police departments came together Thursday on the University Center front lawn to announce that Lehigh has donated a new horse to the city's mounted unit.

The horse, a 4-year-old Persian thoroughbred cross, is aptly named Asa in honor of Lehigh's founder, Asa Packer. The event marked the thoroughbred's official first day of duty. 

President John Simon attended the event telling the crowd that his key message to parents of incoming students is that there is no greater priority than the safety and well-being of their daughters and sons. He also said that the donation of Asa will further enhance the partnership with the City of Bethlehem and lead to a community that is safer for everyone.

The donation of Asa is intended to symbolize the strong partnership between the Lehigh community and the city of Bethlehem.

Asa, who, of course, is brown and white, is the fourth horse to join Bethlehem's mounted unit.  The horse will be ridden by Officer Jason Holschwander.

Lehigh University Police Department Chief Edward Shupp said the benefit of having a mounted unit is that it allows police to patrol through areas that are not easily accessible by car. He said horses also help with crowd control and strengthen community relations.

A horse is "as good as 10 officers," said Shupp.

Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio explained that horses work better in pairs, so the addition of Asa will allow the mounted unit to patrol and cover different areas of the city at the same time.

Asa's first assignment will be to join the Bethlehem mounted and motorcycle units in Philadelphia this weekend during Pope Francis' historic visit. Shupp said the Lehigh logo will be emblazoned on the blanket draped across Asa's back.

Story by Emma Fried