On July 10, 1981, Norwood’s first full-time animal control officer, Frank Rodak, reported that the summer season significantly increased the demands of his position.
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Rodak, a former house painter appointed to the role 10 months prior, explained that summer months bring a sharp increase in complaints regarding unleashed, barking, and abandoned dogs, as well as wildlife incidents—including a recent call regarding raccoons raiding a resident’s garden. Rodak observed that children out of school often allow their dogs to roam freely, and he noted that some owners unfortunately abandon their pets when leaving for summer vacations, a practice he described as cruel.
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A major focus of Rodak’s summer patrols involves monitoring parking lots, particularly at shopping centers, to check for dogs left in locked, hot vehicles. While he typically issues written warnings for first offenses, he stated he will issue citations carrying fines ranging from $50 to $500 if warnings are ignored. He expressed significant concern regarding the health risks dogs face in high temperatures, warning owners that locked cars can quickly lead to heat stroke and passing out. Despite the seven-day work week and the challenges of the role, Selectmen Chairman John F. Kinnaly praised Rodak as a “conscientious” and “good man,” indicating that the board expected to reappoint him for another one-year term.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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