Tiffany Long, an Animal Control Officer (ACO) of Orange Beach, has been honored as the 2024 Animal Control Officer of the Year by the Alabama Animal Control Association. The award, presented during the 34th Annual AACA Conference in Mobile, recognizes her contributions to animal welfare and public safety.

There are more details about Tiffany Long’s recognition in the city’s press release below.

The Alabama Animal Control Association has named Orange Beach Animal Control Officer Tiffany Long as the 2024 Animal Control Officer of the Year. The award was presented Tuesday night as part of the 34th Annual AACA Conference in Mobile. 

Long has served as Orange Beach’s Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the past 5 years. Her unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and compassionate approach to animal welfare and public safety is second to none. 

Some of the key reasons ACO Long was nominated and earned the award are as follows: 

1. Rescue Efforts: She has led numerous rescue operations, often in challenging and hazardous conditions. Her quick-thinking and expert handling of complex situations have saved countless animals from dire circumstances. Notably, she spearheaded a complicated rescue operation on March 18, 2024, at Azalea Village involving 45 cats, 1 dog and 2 elderly people from a hoarding situation, ensuring each animal received immediate medical care and was placed in appropriate facilities. ACO Long also helped the elderly couple be placed outside their residence while the operation took place. 
   
   
2. Community Education and Outreach: Recognizing the importance of public education in animal welfare, ACO Long has developed and implemented comprehensive outreach programs. She regularly holds training at community centers (first aid and CPR for animals) and local events (microchipping, rabies, etc.) to educate the public about responsible pet ownership (social media). 
   
   
3. Innovative Solutions and Initiatives: Always striving for improvement, ACO Long has introduced several innovative programs to enhance the effectiveness of the city’s animal control efforts. She was instrumental in the assistance of the development of a volunteer-based trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, which has successfully reduced the stray cat population in our area. She is currently working on providing training for the citizens of Orange Beach for preventing vicious snake bites for domestic animals through a presentation this fall.
   
   
4. Professional Development and Leadership: ACO Long continuously seeks to expand her knowledge and skills through professional development. She has earned multiple certifications, attended various advanced training courses, and actively participated and has held conferences in Orange Beach in the past. Her expertise is widely recognized, and she often serves as a mentor to new police officers, support technicians and correctional officers, sharing her knowledge and fostering a culture of excellence. 
   
   
5. Compassionate Approach: What truly sets ACO Long apart is her deep compassion for both animals and people. She handles each case with empathy, understanding that animal control work often involves difficult and emotional situations. Her ability to balance firmness with kindness ensures the best outcomes for animals and their owners alike. She was recognized as OBPD Civilian Employee of the Year in 2020 for those reasons. ACO Long embodies the very essence of what it means to be an exemplary Animal Control Officer.