July 11, 2024
The Seattle Police Foundation is excited to introduce you to Police Horse Callum, the newest member of the Seattle Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit.
Police Horse Callum is a Gypsy Vanner gelding, born on March 8, 2018, in Alberta, Canada. He is a striking horse, with his unique Gypsy Vanner heritage reflected in his luxurious flowing mane and tail, fluffy feathered hooves, and his pale buckskin tobiano pattern and coloring. He’s gentle and sweet-natured, loves to meet people and get pets, and has a quiet, stoic disposition. With his strong, sturdy build, thoughtful, intelligent gaze, and endearing personality, he has quickly established himself as an invaluable addition to the Unit with years of service ahead of him.
Police Horse Callum was purchased for the Mounted Patrol Unit thanks to the Seattle Police Foundation’s We Heart Horses donors, on top of a generous in-kind donation from his previous owner, a Seattle resident.
Naming rights to the newest police horse were auctioned off at the 2024 Celebrity Waiters Luncheon. The item was purchased by a group of local CEOs, including Matt Sauri, who was inspired to name the horse Callum in honor of his close friend Callum Robinson.
Callum Robinson was tragically taken from his friends and family in May 2024 during a surfing trip to Mexico, where he, his brother, and a friend lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. Originally from Perth, Australia, Callum had made San Diego his home. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and 250 pounds, he was a gentle giant whose presence was impossible to overlook.
An elite athlete, Callum excelled in lacrosse, earning All-American honors in college and shining in the professional leagues. He was also a formidable rugby player and an avid surfer.
“He was a remarkable individual whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who knew him,” Sauri said.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Callum’s true greatness lay in his kindness and generosity. He was deeply involved in charitable activities, particularly through Seattle-based Wimmer Solutions, where he spearheaded a fundraising campaign for Project Kenny, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trained canines to veterans with PTSD.
His commitment to helping others and his ability to uplift everyone around him made him a beloved figure in his community.
Callum lived by the mantra, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” His life was a testament to this philosophy, filled with passion, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Those who knew him all agree, that while everyone eventually faces death, few truly embrace life as fully as Callum did.
Sauri and his wife Katie visited the Mounted Patrol Unit barn towards the end of June to meet the police horse they’d been charged with naming. While they had viewed a photograph and knew what Police Horse Callum looked like, seeing and interacting with the majestic horse in person made it abundantly clear that Callum was the right choice.
It was the perfect name for a police horse, especially a Gypsy Vanner.
“Naming SPD’s newest police horse after Callum is a fitting tribute. With his strong frame and flowing mane, Callum the horse embodies the spirit and vitality of Callum Robinson,” Sauri said. “This tribute ensures that Callum’s legacy of kindness, strength, and zest for life will continue to inspire all who encounter this magnificent horse. We miss Callum dearly, but knowing that his spirit lives on in such a meaningful way brings us comfort and joy.”
The Seattle Police Foundation is incredibly grateful to the We Heart Horses donors and to Callum’s previous owner, whose in-kind contribution made this investment possible. We’re also grateful to Nicole Vogel, Alan Chaffee, Matt Sauri and the other Seattle CEOs who purchased the naming rights at this year’s Celebrity Waiters auction.
Thank you all so much!
All photos of Callum Robinson are courtesy of Matt Sauri
