Beloved West Hartford Animal Control Officer Retires

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town last week bid adieu to one of its more dedicated employees after more than two decades of serving both the local and animal populations.

After nearly 23 years in West Hartford, Helen Lee retired last week as an animal control officer, a role in the community that goes way beyond just catching roaming dogs.

West Hartford Animal Control honored Lee with both kind words and a moving video of her in action over the years, both of which can be seen via social media.

"Her hard work and dedication to the Town of West Hartford has not gone unnoticed. May ACO Lee enjoy her time with her family and loved ones," wrote the town.

Lee cited the hard work and dedication of her colleagues and community members as they looked to aid and maintain the local animal population.

From finding dogs that broke loose to addressing bear reports to investigating potential rabid creatures, being an ACO is a job requiring both extensive training and compassion.

Lee said that was not in short supply among her co-workers.

"I can never truly express how grateful I am to have worked with some of the finest people from every department in this town," Lee said via social media.

She also thanked "all the veterinarians, animal rescue agencies, non-profits, other animal control officers, police agencies, and, of course, the public."

"I thank you all for all your support these many years," she wrote. "For every animal that I had the honor to help, love and protect, I will never forget you. Be well, stay safe."

To view a video honoring retired West Hartford Animal Control Officer Helen Lee, click on this link.