CHELMSFORD — The Chelmsford Police Department is pleased to welcome a 25-year Chelmsford resident, animal lover, and experienced veterinary professional to the role of Animal Control Officer.
Melissa Glidden is now serving as the Town of Chelmsford’s first-ever female Animal Control Officer.
ACO Glidden has more than 16 years of experience working as a veterinary technician. Her extensive background in veterinary medicine provides her with valuable experience in animal handling, understanding animal behavior, recognizing medical needs, and working compassionately with animals and their owners.
She also holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, providing her with a strong foundation in public safety, investigations, and the enforcement responsibilities associated with her new position.
Through her new role, ACO Glidden will be responsible for responding to animal-related calls for service throughout the community, including complaints involving stray, aggressive, dangerous, or nuisance animals. She will also investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect, enforce animal licensing and protection laws, and take appropriate corrective or enforcement action when violations are identified.
ACO Glidden’s responsibilities will also include the safe rescue, capture, and impoundment of animals, including stray, endangered, abandoned, or dangerous animals. When necessary, she will coordinate with veterinary clinics to ensure injured animals receive appropriate medical treatment and will make reasonable efforts to reunite animals with their owners.
In addition to field response and enforcement, ACO Glidden will oversee the operation and care of animals housed at the Town’s animal control shelter. This includes ensuring the animals receive appropriate food, care, cleanliness, safety, security, and medical attention, as well as coordinating adoption efforts when owners cannot be identified or located. She will also maintain appropriate records and incident reports and prepare reports related to animal control activities and shelter operations.
The position also includes educating residents about responsible pet ownership, animal licensing requirements, animal welfare laws, and other issues involving animal safety. ACO Glidden will serve as an important resource for residents, helping to address animal-related concerns while promoting both public safety and humane treatment of animals.
The position operates under Massachusetts animal control laws and regulations and includes an on-call responsibility for emergency situations. The Chelmsford Animal Control Officer will also work cooperatively with Tyngsboro Police under a memorandum of understanding.
ACO Glidden is excited to bring together her professional experience, education, and passion for animals in service to the Chelmsford community.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, camping, playing flag football, and spending time with her family and dogs. She has previously served as a captain on a women’s professional football team.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Melissa join the Chelmsford Police Department. Her 16 years of experience in veterinary medicine, combined with her education in criminal justice and her genuine passion for animals, make her an excellent fit for this position,” said Chief Gary Hannagan. “As a Chelmsford resident, she already has a strong connection to the community she will be serving. I know she will be a tremendous asset to our department, our residents, and the animals in our community. We are also proud that Melissa will make history as the Town’s first female Animal Control Officer.”
The Chelmsford Police Department looks forward to ACO Glidden continuing to build relationships with residents, pet owners, local veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and neighboring communities as she begins her new role.
