Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined TJO Executive Director Heather Cahillane along with the staff at Thomas J. O’Connor (TJO) Animal Control and Adoption Center to Celebrate Animal Control Officer (ACO) Appreciation Week on Tuesday morning. Also in attendance was Janna Brown, Executive Director of the Foundation for TJO Animals, and Mayoral Aide/ Deputy Director of Communications and Foundation for TJO Animals Board Member Rose McCaffrey.
Just this morning, TJO ACOs rescued 3 kittens, who also joined at the event. Momo the dog, who was rescued on Friday, April 10th after being dumped by the Connecticut River with her sister, helped Mayor Sarno read the proclamation declaring April 12th-April 18th, 2026 as Animal Control Officer Appreciation week in the City of Springfield. TJO is always looking for volunteers to help with the animals who are at TJO.
Every year, the National Animal Care and Control Association proudly supports ACO Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the hardworking professionals who protect animals and serve our communities. These officers work tirelessly and often in challenging and dangerous conditions to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “The ACO officers at TJO not only serve our Springfield, but the surrounding areas of Chicopee and Holyoke as well. ACOs are first responders for animals in need, providing lifesaving care, rescuing the lost, preventing cruelty, and educating the public. TJO Executive Director Heather Cahillane and her dedicated staff do such a wonderful job caring for the animals at the shelter for adoption and making sure that they are health and ready to find a loving family to take them home. I never had pets before, but I now understand what everyone was talking about when it comes to the love of a dog. It makes me appreciate what ACO’s do even more for our animals. They are public safety officials and public health officials.”
