Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) Officer Patrick Breslin has received a prestigious statewide award from the Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA). Breslin is the recipient of the Dr. Kent Roberts Award for Animal Control Officer of the Year.
“Officer Breslin received the award as a result of his consistent hard work and dedication as well as his professionalism and compassion,” said Department of Animal Services Director Nina Stively. “He has set an excellent standard for investigative work in cases of animal cruelty, while consistently showing compassion to people and their pets. He also devotes considerable time and energy to public education by attending youth camps, school events, and other community activities.”
Stively says Breslin’s “excellent investigative skills have led to important collection of evidence, confessions, and many successful convictions.” Breslin holds an 85% conviction rate and has responded to more than 4,700 calls for service since starting at LCAS in May 2013.
One notable investigation led by Breslin resulted in the conviction of five different people on charges related to a cock-fighting ring. Several weeks of effort, including six search warrants on five different properties, led to the seizure of 130 birds and related evidence including detailed fight records, blood sport paraphernalia, and drugs. Links to similar illegal activity in neighboring jurisdictions were also uncovered and shared with appropriate authorities.
“Officer Breslin conducts himself with a level of professionalism and dedication that makes us proud,” said LCAS Animal Control Chief Mark Stacks. “Not only does he willingly carry a heavy caseload but he always makes time to find events and teachable moments in hopes of influencing children to become responsible pet owners. He is always happy to talk about his work and hopes to inspire a new generation interested in careers that serve people, their pets, and wildlife.”
The Dr. Kent Roberts Award for Animal Control Officer of the Year is presented annually to one officer in Virginia who has demonstrated overall excellence in the performance of his or her job. It is named in honor of Dr. Kent Roberts, an important figure in the history of VACA, which strives to advance the profession of animal control.
“It is an immense honor being recognized by my peers and receiving this award,” said Breslin. “I look forward to further serving both animals and people of Loudoun County, and speaking for those who cannot speak up for themselves.”
In addition to being recognized at the VACA annual conference, Breslin was honored by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors with a resolution of commendation at the Board’s November 1, 2016, meeting.
More information about LCAS, including the county’s Animal Services Officers, is online at
www.loudoun.gov/animals.
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Pictured above: Loudoun County Animal Services Officer Patrick Breslin, center, was honored by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors November 1, 2016. Joining Breslin, from left, Board Chair Phyllis Randall, Breslin’s wife Pam Breslin, Animal Services Director Nina Stively, and Board Vice Chairman Ralph Buona. Second row: Supervisors Matt Letourneau, Koran Saines, Kristen Umstattd, Geary Higgins, Tony Buffington, and Ron Meyer. Click here for a larger view of the photo.