SAUGUS — Jack Ciulla, who was hired as the part-time Animal Control Officer in town, was also appointed constable at the Board of Selectmen meeting this week.
Constables are public officers who carry out various law enforcement and legal duties, however, they do not have the same abilities as police officers. Under some circumstances, constables do have the ability to make arrests, according to Mass.gov.
During the discussion, the board’s Vice Chair Jeffrey Cicolini asked when the last time an advertisement was run for the position.
“I think the reason why we advertised was because we had a lot of interest and this is the first time, except for reappointments, we’ve had any new interest in a very long time,” Chair Debra Panetta said.
She said that if the board wishes, an ad can be put out. She also explained that the 10 constable limit the town has was set by the board and that there is no law on how many constables they can have.
After the brief discussion, the selectmen moved forward with the discussion and Panetta asked Ciulla to talk about who he is.
“I have a constable business that I’ve had for about 26 years. I grew up in Everett and that’s where I initially got sworn in…back in 1999. I’ve grown that business over the years. I’ve got quite the clientele. Every time I thought about walking away I end up getting more clientele…so I just continued on with it,” Ciulla said.
He explained that he currently lives in Winchester and is currently one of three constables there and has been for about six years. Winchester has set a three-person limit with one-year appointments.
“In addition to doing the part-time ACO, I just retired from the Department of Homeland Security. I worked there for a little while. My background is explosive detection K-9 work…I currently work for a private corporation doing that,” he said.
Ciulla is looking to expand his business and expand the jurisdiction he can go to by being sworn in in other communities.
“It makes it easier to have the license and the blessing of the town to say ‘Hey, we’ll appoint you, you’re appointed in other communities to continue on with your business.’ So, that’s the reason why I applied,” he said.
Ciulla explained that over the years he’s checked the list and it had always been at the 10-person limit. This time when he looked there was a position open so he took the opportunity and applied.
“Jack I read your resume. (It’s a) great resume. I’m very impressed by that. Welcome to the town as our new part-time (animal control) officer,” Selectman Michael Serino said.
Panetta said that this would be a three-year term and it would expire April 30, 2028.
Serino made the motion to appoint Ciulla constable and it was a unanimous vote to appoint him.
