Westport Names Longtime Assistant As New Animal Control Officer

WESTPORT, CT — Joseph Saponare, who has served as the town's assistant animal control officer for 18 years, was recently named Westport's full time animal control officer, effective Sept. 1, the Westport Police Department announced.

He is a lifelong resident of Westport "who has been serving the town with distinction for many years in various capacities" in addition to assistant animal control officer.

But in that role, Saponare has been responsible for rescuing dogs and all sorts of other wildlife which he describes as a true labor of love. Additionally, he has served as a Traffic Agent for the town for the last 15 years, during which he has closely assisted Westport police officers with various traffic control duties.

From the police department's announcement:

Saponare is a graduate of Staples High School who cites many fond memories of growing up here in Westport. In speaking with Joe, he recalled one of his earliest memories as it relates to both our police department and his love of animals. He explained that the Westport Police Athletic League had been sponsoring a bus trip to a New York Yankees game which he had attended. He was a ten year old boy at the time and had come to police headquarters to board the bus to the game with his pet dog, Poochie. It was carefully explained to Joe that animals were not allowed on the bus, causing him to reluctantly part ways with the dog until returning home. He cites how ironic it was that many years later he would find himself working for that very same police department enforcing animal control laws.

Saponare also previously served as a volunteer fireman at the former Vigilant Hose Company that had been located on Wilton Road. He eventually became the president of that organization and with that role came a significant amount of philanthropic work including the coordination of various fund raisers and a carnival with all proceeds benefiting various local charities. Saponare was also a past president of the Westport Sons of Italy and with that organization he was heavily involved in the organization and planning of the Westport Festival Italiano, at which he also volunteered a significant amount of his time. Saponare and his wife Lucille still call Westport home and just recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary together. Saponare is also the father of four children; a son and three daughters.

Please join us in congratulating Joe on a well-deserved promotion and in wishing him continued success with the Westport Police Department for many years to come!