Ace was Officer Joe Jones’ partner for more than 16 years.
The New Orleans Police Department published the following statement about Ace’s passing:
“Today we want to shed light on our beloved NOPD Mounted Unit horse “Ace”. Ace was known for his love of second-line dancing to the music he would hear on Bourbon Street. On Monday, August 31, 2022, our beloved “Ace” passed away after he succumbed to an illness called Colic. Ace has served with the New Orleans Police Department admirably since 2006. He was transported to The N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit in February 2006. Ace learned very quickly during training and was able to protect and serve the community for the entire Mardi Gras season in 2006.
Ace was assigned to Officer Joseph Jones from 2006 to 2022. Ace began his dancing routine in 2012 with Officer Joseph Jones and it took off, making Ace and Officer Joseph Jones a YouTube sensation. As Ace and Officer Jones began their shift on Bourbon Street, they began by interacting with the brass bands, the community and tourists by dancing/second line before they patrolled Bourbon Street. On one occasion, Ace made an appearance at the Bourbon Street Drinkery, on Bourbon Street, as Ace heard the band playing “Old Town Road.” Ace stuck his head inside the drinkery, danced to the music for a second, backed out and then continued to patrol Bourbon Street. Ace was truly a unique four-legged police officer. Ace’s sponsor and adopted family was Jeanine Talazac and Homestead Title. Ace is truly missed by the mounted unit and the horses he interacted with on a daily basis.”
A memorial service will be held for Ace today, Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 6:00 pm in the 100 block of Bourbon Street. NOPD invites everyone to come and join them in celebrating the life of Ace, the dancing horse.
Featured image from New Orleans Police Department on Facebook.