Last Friday, seven Hawaiʻi County Animal Control Officers completed the inaugural badging ceremony.
The day-long course gave the officers a deep dive into the intricacies of county-specific laws and regulations in addition to extensive training in citation writing. The program also grants officers a two-year certification which will be conducted annually for eligible trainees.
Eligibility for the program requires six months to a year of dedicated training and experience.
The seven officers include:
- Charde Silva
- Blake Cardines
- Halcy Clinton
- Charyse Emmons
- Jermy Dussan
- Kamalani Andrews
- Aurabingy Tafari
In a press release Mayor Roth said, “Assuming the responsibility of animal control for our island has been a tall order made easier by the unwavering dedication and compassion of our Animal Control Officers. These individuals work tirelessly to care for the numerous animals residing on our island while simultaneously striving for the safety of our residents. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to these officers for their accomplishments and wish them ongoing safety as they contribute to making our island a more pleasant place to live, work, and enjoy.”
The Animal Control and Protection Agency plays a vital role in the community, enforcing animal welfare laws, responding to emergencies, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth