The Pell City Police Department welcomes Tara Bell Hazelwood to its community service family. Hazelwood began training last Friday as an Animal Control Officer (ACO) for Pell City. That position will involve Hazelwood responding to reports of stray animals, suspected mistreatment of animals, and all animal safety concerns.

“Animals control is so important for the community,” Hazlewood said. “There has to be rules and regulations for the animals to keep people safe and there has to be consequences if people mistreat animals.”

Animals have always been a part of Hazelwood’s life. She started working with her own animals at a young age and got into showing and training horses at 13.

“I have loved animals my entire life, that’s just who I am,” Hazelwood said. “Being able to have a career working with them is a perfect fit for me.”

In high school, she started her first job at Logan Martin Vet Clinic. She also has worked for Coosa Valley Equine Center and Pell City Animal Hospital as a vet tech. In the last 10 years she has been running a horse farm and teaching horseback riding lessons.

“It’s natural for me to love animals,” Hazelwood said. “This is a new chapter for me and I’m excited to see it begin.”

Rose Ogden is the current ACO and is providing transition training to ACO Hazelwood for the next two weeks. Ogden plans to retire this year after holding her position for ten years. She is confident Hazelwood is up for the challenges of the job.

“It’s like a relay, and I’m handing over the baton to Tara,” Ogden said. “That thought worried me, but working with her has shown me that she has a great understanding of animals and works well with the public. I know she will handle the position very well”