Animal Control staff and volunteers along with Police Chief Dino Sgambellone and Council Chair Denise Derkacs hold up the proclamation for Animal Control Professional and Shelter Volunteer Appreciation Week. Shown from left, shelter volunteer Theresa Gustafson, Sgambellone, Derkacs and Animal Control’s Theresa Phelan and Fanny Capolungo. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council presented April 22 a proclamation to Los Alamos Animal Control staff and volunteers, recognizing April 14-20 as Animal Control Professional and Shelter Volunteer Appreciation Week.

Council Vice Chair Denise Derkacs presented the proclamation, which read:

WHEREAS, animal control professionals and shelter volunteers dedicate their lives to the health and safety of at-risk and helpless animals; and

WHEREAS, animal control professionals and shelter volunteers work to rescue and protect animals from injury, disease, abuse, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) is committed to setting the standard of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through training, networking, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, NACA has designated the second full week of April as Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local government officials throughout the nation take this time to recognize, thank, and commend all animal control professionals and volunteers for the dedicated services they perform, and for fulfilling the commitment to providing the highest and most efficient level of customer service; and

WHEREAS, the community of Los Alamos would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation for the compassion exhibited daily by the Los Alamos County animal control officers who dedicate long hours to serving this community and for fulfilling the Animal Control Officers’ commitment to providing the highest level of customer service.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby recognize April 14 through 20, 2024, as

“Animal Control Professional and Shelter Volunteer Appreciation Week”

 in Los Alamos County, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

DATED this 22nd day of April 2024.