Responder Resilience, May 29, 2024
Guests, Gina Gambino and Jennifer Merenda, Animal Control Officers
Headlined Show, Responder Resilience May 29, 2024
Join us as we reveal the raw, unfiltered look at the human side of animal control with Jennifer Merenda, Chief Animal Control Officer, City of Bridgeport, CT, and Gina Gambino, Head Animal Control Officer for Monroe, CT. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the careers of these seasoned professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role they play in our communities.
We explore what Jennifer and Gina wish the public knew about their profession and the impact of public perception on their daily lives and mental health. Jennifer and Gina openly discuss the stark contrasts between working in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Despite the myriad challenges they face, both women share what motivates them to return to work each day with renewed vigor. They also touch on the personal impacts of their careers, including the toll on their wellness. A poignant part of our conversation delves into whether animal control officers are regarded on par with other emergency personnel and first responders, a topic that elicits heartfelt responses from both.
Guest, Gina Gambino and Jennifer Merenda
Gina Gambino has served multiple communities as both a Municipal and Regional Animal Control Officer over the past 17 years. She currently holds the position as Head Animal Control Officer for the Monroe, CT Police Department’s Animal Control Unit in Monroe and has been an Assistant Park Ranger in Trumbull, CT for over 10 years. She is the 2019 recipient of the Jon Nowinski Community Champion Award and was the 2016 Wildlife in Crisis Animal Control Officer of the Year. She attributes her perseverance in her career to maintaining a sense of humor during tough times, always remembering where she came from and keeping the standards for her work and service high.
Chief Animal Control Officer Jennifer Merenda has been serving the city of Bridgeport, CT since March 2016. She started volunteering at an animal shelter in middle school, and has always pursued an interest in animal welfare.
ACO Merenda studied at Becker College and received an Associate’s Degree Animal Care and Behavior and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. In her role at Bridgeport Animal Control, ACO Merenda aims to balance effective, humane law enforcement with progressive, community centered animal control and care policies.
Responder Resilience
