Winnebago County Animal Services Adds New Position

Rockford, Illinois- The new position will provide the same services as a sergeant on a police force would. "If a taxpayer or citizen needs to meet with a supervisor, that person would be more readily accessible to do that. We`re excited about the position," says Animal Services Director Gary Longanecker. "We think it will enhance our overall service." The department approached the county board with the idea of the position last year. The new sergeant will have two main responsibilities. The first will be to act as a liaison between the Winnebago County Animal Services Department and the community. "What does the community need? We have a lot of issues with barking dogs, dog attacks, dogs running at large," says Longanecker. "It gives us an opportunity to focus on those issues that need attention." The second responsibility will be to provide support to the field officers. "We`re currently up to ten full-time uniform officers," says Longanecker. "When you have that many people, they need field support. Typically, I`ve tried to provide that as have investigators at the state`s attorney`s office. Time demands just don`t allow us to do that to the level we need to." The person to fill this role will be chosen from one of the ten officers already working in the department. "That person will have an assigned shift and literally float the community," says Longanecker. "They will be available county-wide to assist the officer and the citizen." Longanecker expects to get approval to fill the position at Wednesday night`s winnebago County Health and Human Services meeting.