There’s a new animal control officer serving Chester, Deep River, and Essex: Caitlyn Sikora. Coming to the position with extensive animal experience, the new tri-town employee said she excited about her new job and looking forward to working in the best interest of the animals in the community, in the future.

Outgoing Animal Control Officer Jae Wolf will stay on in some capacity with the towns, however, the logistics of how and what that will look like were still being ironed out at press time.

Sikora, a native of the Connecticut shore area, said her very first job was at a dairy farm. From there, she went on to manage horse facilities and work as the animal control officer for Waterford and East Lyme. She currently has three dogs of her own.

“The best part about animals, I think, is that they give unconditional love, always,” said Sikora.

She added, “And, you just never know what you are going to get.”

Animal control officers in Connecticut must have completed an 80-hour training course. The position is on call at all hours for emergencies dealing with primarily with domestic animals, such as roaming dogs and loose horses (in Connecticut, cats are considered “free roaming”). The position also manages the Essex dog pound, a no-kill shelter, which is used by all three towns and is located on Dump Road in Essex. Currently the facility is not set up to house felines, something Sikora hopes to change soon.

“Cats need just as much helps as dogs do,” Sikora said.

Sikora is also signed up to take the Department of Energy & Wildlife Protection’s wildlife rehabilitation class.

Wolf said he has enjoyed serving the three towns and will continue to be on hand to help animals in the area however he can.

“Jae has been good to work with,” said Essex Resident State Trooper David Tretter. “We are excited about Caitlyn coming on and we hope it works out for everyone and all the towns.”