Jessecah Gower
Animal Control Officer/ Animal Health Inspector/ Special Police Officer
Southwick,Ma
Summary
I want to assist in the improvement of the quality of life for all members of my community, two and four legged through my employment and volunteerism.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Control Officer/ Animal Health Inspector/ Special Police Officer
Town of West Springfield (Police Department)
10.2016 - Current
- Effectively communicate with residents via phone, text, in person, email, or social media to address any animal concerns (domestic or wildlife) they have and give referrals, triage, and dispatch calls for service by priority
- Issue and release quarantines & civil citations
- Attend court as needed for civil violations or criminal matters and attend/testify in Nuisance and Dangerous Dog hearings
- Safely confine/restrain/trap, scan for microchip, and as appropriate bring home or transport for impound stray domestic animals
- Identify the owner and ensure they have proper documentation to release or coordinate transfer to rescue/foster unclaimed or surrendered animals & transport TNVR felines
- Collect upfront monetary fees, process monies, and bill owners for services rendered
- Determine if animals under ACO care and custody need medical attention and decide how much medical (money) should reasonably be spent on the animal
- Write incident reports and keep accurate record of all animals that are picked up and document each call for service
- Fully investigate all cruelty or neglect claims, gather evidence (photos, vet records, police reports), file charges, and all related activities, including reporting to other agencies as a court mandated reporter
- When not on priority calls: patrol the town, kennel inspections, license compliance, continuing education training/classes, and sterilization of equipment.
- Enhanced public safety by responding to and investigating reports of animal abuse, neglect, and nuisance complaints.
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine police patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Managed crowd control during events (BIG E), ensuring public safety while minimizing disruptions to attendees or surrounding communities.
Police Officer
Town Of Hinsdale
12.2023 - Current
- Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
- Enforced traffic laws and ordinances through visual observation and radar speed detection.
Police Patrolman
Town Of Granville
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Enforced traffic laws diligently, promoting road safety.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
Special Projects and Volunteer Coordinator
Thomas J. O'Connor Regional Animal Control
08.2010 - 09.2016
- Recruit, train, and engage large volume of volunteers and foster families
- Create a workable database to track volunteer hours and assigned tasks
- Supervise all daily volunteer activities, including school Interns and community service program volunteers
- Create and implement community educational programs and other presentations as needed
- Quickly find creative solutions for difficult, delicate, and unique problems.
- Coordinated large-scale events involving multiple teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local organizations to identify volunteer opportunities and resources.
- Build relationships with media partners to highlight local animal welfare issues, animals in need of homes, and promote upcoming fundraisers.
Lead Sales/ Purchaser
Montgomery Wholesale
10.2007 - 10.2009
- Boosted sales by consistently engaging with customers and addressing their needs effectively.
- Developed relationships with clients for increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Improved supplier relationships, resulting in better product quality and delivery times.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
Wholesale Sales/Purchaser
Springfield Florist Supply
04.2004 - 10.2007
- Increased wholesale sales by developing strong relationships with clients and providing exceptional customer service.
- Maintained detailed records of sales activities, including client interactions, orders, and follow-up communication.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Provided ongoing support to existing clients, addressing any issues or concerns promptly to maintain positive business relationships.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norfolk County Agricultural High School
Walpole MANo Degree - Criminal Justice
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA2025
Completion - Bridge Academy
MPTC
07.2022
Completion - Reserve Intermittent Academy
MPTC
HCSD06.2019
Certified Animal Control Officer -
ACOAM Academy
2016
Skills
- Humane Animal Treatment
- Knowledge of Local Ordinances/ State Laws
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Emergency Response
- Time Management
- Community Engagement
- Relationship Building and Management
- Emergency Vehicle Operation
- Traffic Control
- Active Listening
- Compassion and Empathy
Accomplishments
2023 Champion Award from Dakin Humane Society
2023 Outstanding Service Award from Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts
Additional Information
- Certified Covid-19 Safety Compliance Officer
- First Responder CPR/First Aid CS /NIMS,
- LTC
- Current on all MPTC In-Service training through 2023,
- Animal Control Officer Association of Massachusetts Chair of Training and Hampden County Representative 2024 & Past Western Mass Vice President and Board Member 2019-2023
- Volunteer w/ various animal welfare groups such as TJO,Dakin, New England Fed 2008 - current
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Police Officer
Town Of Hinsdale
12.2023 - Current
Police Patrolman
Town Of Granville
10.2020 - 10.2022
Animal Control Officer/ Animal Health Inspector/ Special Police Officer
Town of West Springfield (Police Department)
10.2016 - Current
Special Projects and Volunteer Coordinator
Thomas J. O'Connor Regional Animal Control
08.2010 - 09.2016
Lead Sales/ Purchaser
Montgomery Wholesale
10.2007 - 10.2009
Wholesale Sales/Purchaser
Springfield Florist Supply
04.2004 - 10.2007
High School Diploma -
Norfolk County Agricultural High School
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Holyoke Community College
Completion - Bridge Academy
MPTC
Completion - Reserve Intermittent Academy
MPTC
Certified Animal Control Officer -
ACOAM Academy
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