Beloved Fairhaven Animal Officer Retires After Years of Service

 A Legacy of Compassion and Community

Terry Cripps loves animals — and he’s loved every minute of his job caring for them.
"If helping animals gets me through those pearly gates, I think they're going to be wide open when I get there," Cripps said.

For years, Cripps has been the face of the Fairhaven Animal Shelter while also serving as the town’s Animal Control Officer. But now, he's stepping into retirement.

Cripps and his wife are moving to Texas, where he plans to take on something entirely different.

"I want it to be a meaningless job. That’s the beauty of retirement," he laughed.

A Day of Recognition

Thursday was a special day for Cripps, as he was surprised with a citation from Senator Mark Montigny and a plaque from Fairhaven's police chief. Cripps originally held the animal control position for a year and a half beginning in 2013. He left briefly, then returned in 2017 and has served ever since.

"I get to see people at their very best on this job — and sometimes at their very worst," Cripps said. "Fortunately, in the Fairhaven community, I get to see much more of the best than the worst."

A Community That Cares

Cripps has long had a passion for helping animals. He began by volunteering at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter for several years and quickly fell in love with both the work and the people.

"Whenever we ask for anything, the community is always right there for us," he said. "When we're low on dog and cat food and I put out the ask, we are always bombarded with supplies. It's a great problem to have."

Saturday will be Terry Cripps' final day on the job. What he’ll miss most, he says, is the town itself.

“The community here in Fairhaven — that’s definitely what I’ll miss the most," he said.