A Voice for the Voiceless: Norfolk Prosecutor Recognized With Animal Protection Award

Article and photo submitted by the office of the Assistant Norfolk District Attorney

For the second time in three years, an Assistant Norfolk District Attorney has been recognized with an IMPACT award from the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts for exceptional work in protecting animals.

ADA Tracey Cusick, who has been involved in some of the state’s most high-profile animal cruelty and protection cases in recent years, was presented with the Important People In Animal Control Today (IMPACT) earlier this month at the Annual Banquet of the state Animal Control Officers’ association.

“Tracey Cusick has been doing exemplary work protecting animals and prosecuting cruelty for many years - sometimes reported in newspaper headlines, but often quietly by assisting local authorities with legal support or providing training,” Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said after the award presentation. “It is a cause that she is dedicated to both personally and professionally, and it shows in her results.” Cusick is part of Morrissey’s appeals unit.

Hillary Cohen, the acting co-president of ACOAM, told Cusick that she was “chosen because the board recognizes all you have done for ACOAM, individual officers throughout the Commonwealth, your hard work and dedication...and your generosity with sharing your experience and expertise through trainings and seminars.”

Cusick has won other animal protection and safety awards over the years, but noted with some pleasure that this recognition comes from “the people in our communities directly intervening for animals who are not safe. They are a special group.”