John Walsh Judges Hemlock Fair Mounted Competition

HEMLOCK — Law enforcement agencies from as far as Canada gathered at the Hemlock Fair to participate in the mounted competition, hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office as America’s Most Wanted Host John Walsh served as judge.

The law enforcement agencies that were represented at the competition were: The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department and the Governor General’s Horse Guard from Ontario Canada.

The competition featured four categories: The obstacle course, best appearing western horse, best appearing English, and the judges award. This year also featured a special guest judge, longtime host of America’s Most Wanted, John Walsh. Walsh is an avid horseman in addition to being a vocal supporter of law enforcement.

The winner of the obstacle course was Deputy Mike Horst of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, with Andrew Zeitoun of the Governor General’s Horse Guard coming in second. Officer Don Urbanzyk from the Rochester Police Department came in third and Deputy Merle Nozzi of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office placed fourth.

The best appearing western horse went to Linda Ferguson of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office with Officer Don Urbanzyk from the Rochester Police Department awarded a second place ribbon. The best appearing English award went to PJ Vanauken of the Governor General’s Horse Guard and second place was awarded to Deputy Becky Kane of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. The Judges award was given to Deputy Stephanie Logsdon of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.