Gerard “Gerry” Ferrari has taken over as Harpswell’s new animal control officer, while Cooper Hogan will join the town staff as a seasonal parks monitor.
The Board of Selectmen approved the hires on Thursday, June 23.
Ferrari takes the place of Gail Federico, who announced her resignation in February after nearly seven years in the role. The town received three applications for the position. Responsibilities include being on call seven days a week and enforcing both state and municipal animal control laws.
“I am honored to be selected,” Ferrari told the select board. He moved to Maine three years ago and has lived in Harpswell for a year and a half.
Ferrari started immediately and, after basic training, will pursue state certification. The state requires municipal animal control officers to earn their certification within six months of appointment.
Hogan, a student at the University of Maine, will work under Harbor Master and Marine Resource Administrator Paul Plummer to monitor town parks and lands on weekends throughout the summer.
