Jan Nageldinger manages the Branch County Humane Society. Courtesy | Facebook
Jan Nageldinger received a Civilian Recognition Award Jan. 17 for her long-term coordination with the sheriff’s office during animal cases. Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire presented the award.
Nageldinger, shelter manager of the Branch County Humane Society, was awarded for her work with the sheriff’s office coordinating emergency animal removals and placements.
“We’ve never given her recognition before,” Sgt. John Gates of the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office said. “It just seemed like a fitting time.”
In December, Nageldinger coordinated the rescue of a terrier who had fallen in a 15-foot deep tank.
Gates nominated Nageldinger for the award after she helped respond to the incident. The two have an ongoing working relationship spanning the almost 15 years that Nageldinger has been in her position, according to Gates.
Gates and the sheriff’s office consult Nageldinger with cases involving neglected animals or emergency placements, while Nageldinger informs the department of potential instances of animal cruelty. She said she has even participated in seizure operations, at one point removing 24 beagles from one house.
Although Hodshire said he has had no personal contact with Nageldinger, he acknowledged her long-time collaboration and contribution to Hillsdale’s animal control.
“She goes above and beyond whenever we call her,” Hodshire said. “She is always there for us.”
The Civilian Recognition Award is the highest-possible reward available to private citizens in HIllsdale and is only given in special circumstances, according to Hodshire.
Gates estimated the department picks up 40-50 stray dogs per month through calls or drop-offs.
“I probably talk to her at least once a week on something,” Gates said. “She often gets tips through her network, so she’ll give me a call or send me an email, then we do an investigation.”
Nageldinger began working as a shelter volunteer after 25 years at the Michigan Department of Corrections.
“When I came out, I was looking to improve things in the world, so I came out and started volunteering,” Nageldinger said.
After the previous shelter manager retired 15 years ago, Nageldinger said she took on the responsibility of managing the local shelter and the Hillsdale sheriff office with animal-related cases.
Nageldinger now coordinates animal welfare checks, rescues, medical treatments, and emergency placements for both stray and abused animals in Hillsdale in addition to her work in Branch County.
“I appreciate that Hillsdale has some of the kindest law enforcement officers over there,” Nageldinger said.
Nageldinger said she and her volunteers will hold a demonstration in Coldwater on Feb. 3 to raise awareness for stray dogs out in the cold weather.