The mood was joyful as City Staff, PAWS of Volunteers Directors and PAWS volunteers all gathered at the Coronado Police Department for the Badge Ceremony to officially acknowledge Officer Margaret Lawson to the department as the new Animal Control Officer (ACO).

Officer Lawson with KAs Christina Kidd & Alayne Rosenstein

Officer Lawson has worked at the Coronado ACF for almost four years as a lead kennel attendant. When the opening for ACO arose, she decided that she was up for the challenge and applied for the position.

The process is very thorough with all applicants going through numerous interviews, back ground checks, and panel questions.

We were all pulling for Margaret and applauded each hurdle she cleared until finally the day came with the announcement that she had the job!

Margaret is a caring and compassionate champion for the animals and for the safety of the community. She has a quick smile and a gentle demeanor. The mother of two boys, she also has a firm hand that will serve her well when enforcing the animal control laws.

As for the ceremony itself ~ Margaret chose her husband to pin the badge on her uniform as Chief of Police Louis J. Scanlon stood by. As Commander of the Support Services Division Commander Laszlo Waczek along with Sergeant Eric Hima, in charge of Personnel, Senior Volunteers & Inspections were also in attendance.

We are all looking forward to the future of animal welfare in Coronado with Officer Lawson at the helm of the ACF with the support of the Coronado Police Department and her staff.

Stop by the ACF and meet and congratulate Margaret – take a tour if you haven’t done so yet and meet the orphaned animals looking for their forever homes.

PS On a personal note, I want to thank Margaret for taking this position, It has been an honor and joy getting to know her this past year and working with her to help the animals. I want to thank her family too for all of the support they give Margaret to make this all possible!