Smithtown Animal Control Officer Honored For Saving Animals, Helping Families

SMITHTOWN, NY — A Smithtown animal control officer known for rescuing injured wildlife, helping reunite lost pets with families and bringing humor to unpredictable calls was honored by the town for her service.

Denise Vibal, an animal control officer with the Smithtown Animal Shelter, received the Town of Smithtown’s Exceptional Public Service Award during the most recent Town Board meeting.

The monthly award recognizes public servants whose dedication, professionalism and character make a lasting impact on the community, town officials said.

“Denise is one of those remarkable public servants who brings compassion, courage, professionalism, and a great sense of humor to a job where no two days are ever the same,” Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said. “Whether she is rescuing injured wildlife, helping a family reunite with a lost pet, educating children about responsible animal care, or answering one of those late-night calls that most people would run in the opposite direction from, Denise never hesitates to step up.”

Vibal has worked at the Smithtown Animal Shelter since 2017 and has become a respected member of the shelter team, town officials said. She is known for her calm determination, positive attitude and ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and humor.

“A true public servant with a heart for both animals and people,” Wehrheim said.

Her work has included scaling fences to rescue trapped deer, kayaking across water to free an entangled swan, climbing into storm drains to reunite ducklings with their mother, scaling trees to rescue entangled native birds and crawling through tick-infested brush to save orphaned kittens, town officials said.

Vibal began working for the Town of Smithtown in 2003 with the Recreation Department before joining Animal Control in 2017. Before her town service, she worked at the San Diego Zoo and as a veterinary assistant, town officials said.

Since joining the shelter, Vibal has also become one of its public ambassadors. She often represents the shelter during news interviews, community events, school tours and programs with local scout troops.

Town officials said her ability to connect with children in a fun and meaningful way helps encourage young residents to become compassionate and responsible animal advocates.

Vibal, a Smithtown resident, is raising two children in the community with her husband. She accepted the award alongside her mother, Michele Czwartacki.

“In fact, if there is a difficult animal rescue happening somewhere in Smithtown, there is a good chance ACO Vibal is already on her way and likely has a funny story about it before the day is over,” town officials said.