Local animal control officers honored for their service

Nov. 3, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

The award was presented to the Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption TJO) Animal Control Officers by Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Law Enforcement Officer Christine Allenburg (far left back to camera) to (left to right) Hannah Chapman, Renee Robichaud (holding the award), Mason Rivera, Daniel Simpson, Elfred Mateo and Julie Sanborn with TJO Excutive Director Pam Peeples and Mayor Domenic Sarno looking on.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – The good work conducted by the animal control officers of the Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center (TJO) has not gone unnoticed. On Oct. 31, Officer Christine Allenburg of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) Law Enforcement presented the team with the Animal Control Officers of the Year award.

The MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston made designation and Allenburg nominated the team of local officers.

TJO Executive Director Pam Peeples said the team responds to 4,500 calls a year in Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke.

Allenburg said, “I have watched them grow as officers, compassionate animal advocates and respected colleagues.  I work very closely with them on a regular basis and am always impressed with their quick response, professionalism and ability to problem solve.  I am constantly amazed at the daring feats they perform to rescue any animal from any situation.  Completely fearless is the only way to truly describe each and every officer.  Each one unselfishly, even when off duty, responds if needed.  Many situations are horrific and I have personally witnessed each and every nominated officer calmly evaluate the situation and do what is right for the animals and people involved.”

She added, “Everything I said was from the heart.”

Animal Control Officer Daniel Simpson said, “The whole place is a team … everyone deserves this.”

Mayor Domenic Sarno called the officers “unsung heroes.”

Peeples noted the cooperation not only within the different departments of TJO, but also with the MSPCA and Dakin Humane Society. That effort has led to Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke, being “the most humane they can be.” 

She added, “You guys have got it down to a science.”

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