It is Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week from April 11-15
Tammy Burns, a 3rd grade teacher at Braeburn School, decided to implement a “Passion Project” in her class this year. When one of her students, Katie Sweeney, decided to do a project on “How Dogs Help Humans” her project quickly took off into something that was dear to her heart and clearly just as important to her third grade peers. Even fellow teachers helped her collect more than 300 items to gift to the West Hartford Animal Shelter.
When Katie started researching the dog pound in West Hartford she learned of the great need of certain items, so she made posters and presented a slide show about it to each 3rd grade class. She immediately started needing bigger boxes for all the donations.
Katie Sweeney with Animal Control Officer Helen Lee / submitted photo
Today, Katie brought all of these items including; new beds, food, toys, towels and used papers to the shelter. She was greeted by Animal Control Officers Helen Lee, Douglas Glowacki, and Kimberly Gulino. They were beyond grateful to all the 3rd graders at Braeburn and Mrs. Burns.
Katie Sweeney with Animal Control Officer Kimberly Gulino and an unnamed friend. / Submitted photo
The following information is gleaned from the Town of West Hartford Police Department’s Facebook page.
In West Hartford there are two full-time and one part-time animal control officers. There is also a part-time kennel assistant. The ACOs work for the West Hartford Police Department and are dispatched just like a police officer. The ACOs handle approximately 3000-5000 calls a year.
Some of their job duties are:
- Law Enforcement related to animals.
- Finding new homes for found animals that are in our care.
- Educating the public about wildlife.
- Responding to sick or injured wildlife.
- Investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect.
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