Millis and Medway Animal Control Officer Brenda Hamelin Named “ACO of the Year”

MSPCA-Angell and Animal Rescue League of Boston note her compassion and skills

Marlborough, Mass., Nov. 9, 2015 – On October 16, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell) and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) presented the Animal Control Officer of the Year award to Millis and Medway Animal Control Officer (ACO) Brenda Hamelin.

The award presentation took place at the annual meeting of the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM).

The MSPCA and ARL established the ACO of the Year award to honor an animal control officer whose efforts in his/her local community throughout the year have promoted responsible pet ownership by:

manifesting a dedicated, humane attitude toward the treatment and well-being of all animals
effectively enforcing pet responsibility laws
conducting public awareness and humane education programs
maintaining cooperative working relationships with other agencies involved with animals, such as state and local government departments, other ACOs, and animal protection groups

Officer Hamelin had several nominations, including the town administrators for both Millis and Medway, as well as fellow ACOs who detailed her commitment to meeting the award’s criteria.

Hamelin exemplifies the traits the MSPCA and ARL look for each year in an ACO.

“It is clear that Officer Hamelin is dedicated and driven in her mission to help animals in need,” stated Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the MSPCA-Angell. “It’s inspiring to see someone so committed to animals, going above and beyond in many ways to get the best outcome for animals and people in the communities in which she works.”

“Her efforts to collaborate with shelters, law enforcement, public health officials, and her work for the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts were especially laudable,” explained Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the ARL’s law enforcement team. “Her nominations emphasized her commitment, hard work ethic, and problem-solving capabilities.”

Nominations noted her ability to recognize the fine line between enforcement and support, and her ability to find a unique and special way to be certain that the needs of animals and people in her community are met and addressed. One nomination relayed how she helped teach a family how to provide proper care for a cat, allowing it to be reunited with a family after the cat fell ill.