AAbout Norfolk's ACO
Hilary Cohen
Hilary grew up in Darien, CT and NYC, where her family allowed her passion for animals to bloom. As many know her private time focuses around her favorites; the horses.
At the age of 4, Hilary received her first pet, a Golden Retriever named Butterscotch, which started her life long love of animals. While in 6th grade at New Canaan Country School, Hilary and her best friend Lynne saddled up to the idea of training a dog named Leesha to be a seeing eye dog for the FIDELCO foundation. After the year of training, with much help along way, Leesha graduated the program and did go into service. It was a great experience for all involved.
As Hilary grew, so did her passion for animals. In 1980 she sat on her first horse of her career, named Okie. Much to her non-horse parents dislike (due to the risks associated), she was hooked and had caught "horse fever". In the early 80's she was competing on Okie, a Leopard Appaloosa under the trainer's eye of Mona Raymond. Throughout the years, she progressed through the ranks where she was working with rejected (broken down) race horses and trying to retrain them for other careers so that they would not end up with their fate at the slaughter house.
Most children in her area were packed off to boarding schools after they had graduated ninth grade. Hilary chose a school that would further her equestrian experience. While attending Oldfields School in Maryland, Hilary found an ex racer named Turtle and he became her project for the three years she was there and molded him to become an asset to their varsity riding teams for both hunter/jumpers and eventing. Upon her graduation she brought Turtle home with her.
Also during her tenure at Oldfields she completed an internship in NYC at Park East Animal Hospital owned by Dr. Louis Berman. Dr. Berman was noted for his status as "The jet sets' pet vet" where his client list included such notables as Joan River's dog Spike and many others. While in attendance there she learned everything from basic animal first aid to grooming to surgeries. This was her real introduction to small animal care beyond what she knew from application to her pets.
When Hilary graduated from Oldfields, she carried on in her career goals at Johnson and Wales University majoring in horses. She graduated in 1994 with honors with a BS in Equine Sciences, AS in equine Business Management, and a minor of entrepreneurship. She rode Turtle under the tutelage of Louis Denizard who is currently assigned to the Puerto Rican team for this year's Pan Am Games. A few months before graduation it was time to find a "real job" and this is how she landed where she is.
Life in Norfolk:
After college, Hilary took a job at the Wareland's Farm on Boardman Street teaching children how to ride during summer camp sessions as well as teaching and training horses full time at the farm and off of the farm. She had the opportunity to manage the facility for a two year period while the owner took some time off. After that two year period she had to decide whether to purchase there or elsewhere as the agreement was close to expire. She chose to purchase another stable in town where she currently lives and keeps her horses.
In April 1997 her career as an Animal Control Officer took shape. Hilary had been made aware that the position of ACO was coming available and that the town of Norfolk was accepting applications. She met with the town after they reviewed her credentials and was chosen for the position.
"When I signed on board with the town, the late Harry Sanborn supplied to me a rabies pole and a rusty trap and said here you are. I had been under the impression that I was going to be picking up "Fluffy" and "Coco" and why would I need such equipment. Soon to find out that my job included oh so much more."
Through the years she has pushed hard to show that the job was so much more than anyone ever realized and needed to be brought forward to the current times. This process is still on going.
At least a few times a year Hilary furthers her education in the Animal Control field. Since she has been employed she has become a member of the National Animal Control Officer's Association, attended training in law enforcement, has been certified to carry firearms, and is a member of the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART). She is on a team of ACO's and specialists that may be deployed locally or nationally if their resources are needed in a state or national disaster for animals such as 911 and Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Hilary became a Certified Tree Climber so that she may rescue cats (and other animals) from trees or other high places. The titles that Hilary holds in the town of Norfolk include Animal Control Officer, Police Matron, Special Police Officer, and Board of Health Agent.
In her spare time Hilary privately helps horses in need. She has three horses of her own who all have come in with either special needs, were unwanted, neglected, or headed for slaughter. She has worked with many different 501c3's in both the large animal and small animal fields to help find solutions and homes for animals of all kinds. She is an avid participant in the fight to end horse slaughter for human consumption. She has also found a new sport which is recreational tree climbing. If she's not out riding a horse, chances are, she's up in a tree. Outside of animals Hilary is a student at a mixed martial arts acadamy that specializes in Krav Maga, Haganah, and many other techniques. Currently she is a green belt working towards her brown belt. You'll likely see Hilary around town riding one of her motorcycles when the weather is nice.
Hilary is Married to Dr. Don Cohen a successful chiropractor and volleyball coach, player and referee. Hilary also has a son, Patrick who's interests include karate, horses and fishing.
At the age of 4, Hilary received her first pet, a Golden Retriever named Butterscotch, which started her life long love of animals. While in 6th grade at New Canaan Country School, Hilary and her best friend Lynne saddled up to the idea of training a dog named Leesha to be a seeing eye dog for the FIDELCO foundation. After the year of training, with much help along way, Leesha graduated the program and did go into service. It was a great experience for all involved.
As Hilary grew, so did her passion for animals. In 1980 she sat on her first horse of her career, named Okie. Much to her non-horse parents dislike (due to the risks associated), she was hooked and had caught "horse fever". In the early 80's she was competing on Okie, a Leopard Appaloosa under the trainer's eye of Mona Raymond. Throughout the years, she progressed through the ranks where she was working with rejected (broken down) race horses and trying to retrain them for other careers so that they would not end up with their fate at the slaughter house.
Most children in her area were packed off to boarding schools after they had graduated ninth grade. Hilary chose a school that would further her equestrian experience. While attending Oldfields School in Maryland, Hilary found an ex racer named Turtle and he became her project for the three years she was there and molded him to become an asset to their varsity riding teams for both hunter/jumpers and eventing. Upon her graduation she brought Turtle home with her.
Also during her tenure at Oldfields she completed an internship in NYC at Park East Animal Hospital owned by Dr. Louis Berman. Dr. Berman was noted for his status as "The jet sets' pet vet" where his client list included such notables as Joan River's dog Spike and many others. While in attendance there she learned everything from basic animal first aid to grooming to surgeries. This was her real introduction to small animal care beyond what she knew from application to her pets.
When Hilary graduated from Oldfields, she carried on in her career goals at Johnson and Wales University majoring in horses. She graduated in 1994 with honors with a BS in Equine Sciences, AS in equine Business Management, and a minor of entrepreneurship. She rode Turtle under the tutelage of Louis Denizard who is currently assigned to the Puerto Rican team for this year's Pan Am Games. A few months before graduation it was time to find a "real job" and this is how she landed where she is.
Life in Norfolk:
After college, Hilary took a job at the Wareland's Farm on Boardman Street teaching children how to ride during summer camp sessions as well as teaching and training horses full time at the farm and off of the farm. She had the opportunity to manage the facility for a two year period while the owner took some time off. After that two year period she had to decide whether to purchase there or elsewhere as the agreement was close to expire. She chose to purchase another stable in town where she currently lives and keeps her horses.
In April 1997 her career as an Animal Control Officer took shape. Hilary had been made aware that the position of ACO was coming available and that the town of Norfolk was accepting applications. She met with the town after they reviewed her credentials and was chosen for the position.
"When I signed on board with the town, the late Harry Sanborn supplied to me a rabies pole and a rusty trap and said here you are. I had been under the impression that I was going to be picking up "Fluffy" and "Coco" and why would I need such equipment. Soon to find out that my job included oh so much more."
Through the years she has pushed hard to show that the job was so much more than anyone ever realized and needed to be brought forward to the current times. This process is still on going.
At least a few times a year Hilary furthers her education in the Animal Control field. Since she has been employed she has become a member of the National Animal Control Officer's Association, attended training in law enforcement, has been certified to carry firearms, and is a member of the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART). She is on a team of ACO's and specialists that may be deployed locally or nationally if their resources are needed in a state or national disaster for animals such as 911 and Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Hilary became a Certified Tree Climber so that she may rescue cats (and other animals) from trees or other high places. The titles that Hilary holds in the town of Norfolk include Animal Control Officer, Police Matron, Special Police Officer, and Board of Health Agent.
In her spare time Hilary privately helps horses in need. She has three horses of her own who all have come in with either special needs, were unwanted, neglected, or headed for slaughter. She has worked with many different 501c3's in both the large animal and small animal fields to help find solutions and homes for animals of all kinds. She is an avid participant in the fight to end horse slaughter for human consumption. She has also found a new sport which is recreational tree climbing. If she's not out riding a horse, chances are, she's up in a tree. Outside of animals Hilary is a student at a mixed martial arts acadamy that specializes in Krav Maga, Haganah, and many other techniques. Currently she is a green belt working towards her brown belt. You'll likely see Hilary around town riding one of her motorcycles when the weather is nice.
Hilary is Married to Dr. Don Cohen a successful chiropractor and volleyball coach, player and referee. Hilary also has a son, Patrick who's interests include karate, horses and fishing.
Here kitty kitty!
Chimay: The one eyed Belgian
