Aaron Adkins, a part-time Fairfield humane officer, is scheduled to begin worki full-time in Middletown next week.
“This was a big thing for us, and for the city as a whole. We had to cut our last one due to severe budget cuts, but the city stepped up big time putting this back out there for the community,” said Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw. “It’s going to help relieve the burden of nuisance calls so patrol officer can focus more on crime at hand.”
MORE: Dog allegedly beaten with a baseball bat is recovering
Middletown Police Major Andy Warrick said, while the city worked well with the Butler County Dog Warden’s Office, which is part of the sheriff’s office, there was a charge for services.
“It’s nice to have your own animal control officer for your own area so you can call them out.” Warrick said. “It also helps build (good rapport) within the community. Plus this way, if there are issued in this community, he can address it.”
Warrick noted some projects in the future may be addressing feral cats in the city and a “skunk problem” at Smith Park.
While Adkins will carry a summons book, Warrick said he will also serve as a counselor of sorts to pet owners to find solutions to animal issues.
“He can do some investigation and then talk with the owners, saying ‘Hey, have you though this for your animal? That might curtail the problem with no further contact,” Warrick said.
Adkins will work daytime hours on weekdays, but that could change if there need arises, Warrick said. He will be able to address some issues, such and barking dog complaints, that officers received on the night shift. But if there is an urgent need, such as an abused or injured dog, Adkins would be called to the scene.
MORE: Police: Man breaks in, found with hatchet and pants down
“We know this will help our officers and with him doing the initial investigations, it will also help out the county,” Warrick said.
Adkins being salary is $ 37,498, and he will be driving a re-purposed truck issued to the police department.
About the Author
