ACOAM Academy Scholarship
Captain Tom White, as Director of Law Enforcement of the Animal Rescue League of Boston he played a vital role in the development of the ACOAM certification course. He worked alongside with the founding members of ACOAM in designing the classes, defining the structure and implementing the course in 1988. Capt. White, or Tom as he was known to his many friends, taught classes for the course on subjects ranging from Occult Crime to Crime Scene Investigation, Officer Safety, and Capstun Certification. His vast knowledge and fascinating stories of his years in the field held his class participants attention and taught by example how the job should be done. He continued to play an integral part in the improvement and updating of the course as needed right up until his death in 2000.
Tom spent many hours working with ACOs from all over the state. Many had questions or needed advice on serious situations that they had little experience with. He also provided assistance for ACOs who needed a hand in preparing a case for court or before a town Selectmen’s board. Capt. White recognized the growing role of Animal Control Officers in the field of public safety and he understood that educating ACOs would greatly improve the ability of officers to protect themselves on the job. It would also improve the ability of Animal Control Officers to work with the public as well as with the Animal Rescue League in promoting and protecting the welfare of animals.