Her tasks have ranged from helping clean to educating new shelter employees on animal-related laws and training shelter staff on the Spillman report system used by the sheriff’s office and being introduced for shelter staff use.
Shelter Director Kandice Kriebel, who was hired last fall, said Fraley has been an asset since her arrival. She was her recommendation when assistance was needed following several staff changes at once and her need to be out of office on leave in coming weeks, Kriebel said.
“I am from Washington State. Her insight, her knowledge has been very valuable to me. She has helped me, teaching me in this role. I can’t thank the sheriff enough for allowing her to be here. I wish she could be here longer,” Kriebel said.
Fraley has been to numerous schools on animal care, has taken Humane Society training and as a humane society agent through the Ohio Police Officers’ Training Academy. She’s also attended classes on the legal side of animals and companion animals and teaches in-service sessions on animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.
“Sarah is very versed on animal statutes and is helping them modernize some operations as well,” Duchak said, adding he is happy to be able to help the shelter, which is overseen by the county commissioners.
Help was needed after three shelter employees left within a one-month period for different reasons, said Leigh Williams, the commissioners’ clerk/administrator.
“Deputy Fraley is familiar with the shelter, the call process as well as some of the procedures out at the shelter. There is a lot of interaction between the Animal Shelter staff and law enforcement and many county shelters are run by the Sheriff’s Office,” Williams said. “Sheriff Duchak was gracious enough to allow her to help us out.” Staff from the commissioners’ office also has been assisting as needed, she said.
“I love animals, love working with them. Teaching the staff here about criminal law with the companion animals is going to help all the animals in the community,” said Fraley, who said she has five dogs of her own.
Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com
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