WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit is made up of horses and trained officers that carry caskets of first responders killed in the line of duty. They offer their services for free, and this year, for the first time since the unit was formed in 2008, the caretaker of the horses is now a full-time paid position.


What You Need To Know

The NCTA Caisson Unit is made up of horses and trained officers

The unit carries the caskets of first responders killed in the line of duty

For the first time since the unit was formed in 2008, the caretaker of the horses is now a full-time paid position

The unit has received state funding in the past, but it is not guaranteed so it relies on donations


Bennie Grady, who also happens to be a state trooper, manages the NCTA Caisson Unit.

“They are tremendous amounts of work. Every day they require a lot of attention,” Grady said. “So kind of like with you and I getting our stretches in, I try to do these girls the same way.”

“I guess with the caisson horses, what I love most is what they do. What their purpose is,” Grady said.

The caisson itself is stored in a massive trailer.

“I mean we are very grateful for the horses that have served on the unit. They have come, they have gone. Some are still here. But this part of history right here that is carried every single hero since our origination, since the beginning, and it’s still here today. To think about the sacrifices that were given by all those folks and you and I get to stand here right beside it,” Grady said.

NCTA Caisson Unit at Sgt. Matthew Fishman's funeral in August 2022. (Spectrum News 1)

Grady joined the unit in 2016. He can recite the name, role and life story of each horse.

“Peggy and her sister Rosie, they serve as the wheel horses, so that is their full-time job when we are doing things,” Grady said.

As he looks at the gear for the horses, he explains why he puts so much effort into achieving a high standard for the unit.

“Someone has just paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the least we can do is show up with everything in its best possible condition that we can keep it at,” Grady said.“Someone has just paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the least we can do is show up with everything in its best possible condition that we can keep it at,” Grady said.

Since 2017 the horses, trailers and equipment have been stored at Grady’s home. Before his position was made a full-time job this year, he was strictly a volunteer.

“This is a very tiny piece of my life to give to the ones that I’ve given everything. Just a small piece,” Grady said.

He believes the horses know just how important their roles are, too.

“You can feel the change coming to them when it’s funeral day. It seems like there’s a difference with the way that their demeanor is. It’s almost like they are familiar with what’s going on, and they know it’s time to do a mission,” Grady said.

At any given moment, he could get the news that the unit is needed so they stay ready to pack up and go.

“We will prepare all the time, and we will hope that we never received a phone call, but if we do receive it hopefully we are going to be ready for it,” Grady said.

The NCTA Caisson Unit has received grants from the state in the past, but they are not guaranteed annual funding so the unit relies on donations to stay running. To learn more about donating, visit the NCTA Caisson Unit’s website.

The unit also offers services to first responders in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.