Freeman Retiring From Animal Welfare Post

Randy Freeman,  pictured with Rascal, one of countless 

special "friends" that received a happy ending.

After 15 years of service, Sallisaw’s Animal Welfare Supervisor Randy Freeman is leaving his post, effective Dec. 31.

Freeman, who previously worked for the city as a police services supervisor, says he is most proud of changing the face of animal shelters during his time at his post. “This is a 95 percent live-release shelter,” and the department does a lot more than just pick up stray animals, he said.

Freeman’s retirement from the Sallisaw Animal Care Facility and as the animal welfare supervisor means that the city will soon be advertising that the position is open. This is a hired position, not an appointed or elected one, he said.

When asked if he had any advice for his successor, Freeman stressed the importance of being kind, being generous to people and being there for the stray animal population around the city. “Everyone deserves an animal,” Freeman said, and every animal deserves a loving home.

Freeman said the favorite part of his job is that he gets to work closely with his wife, Ro Freeman, who runs the not-for-profit Guardian Angels animal rescue project. Ro Freeman has been the volunteer coordinator for the program for 10 years. Freeman also said one of his favorite tasks at work is giving “my” dogs cookies and seeing them go to their forever homes. “It’s just like a birthday party for us,” he said.

The outgoing shelter supervisor also discussed the future for the city’s animal care facility. “I hope to see a marriage between the city and the county to provide rescue services throughout the entire county,” Freeman said.

Freeman also stressed the importance of micro-chipping animals so that if they become lost, “we can ensure that they are going home.” He said he hopes to be remembered by Sallisaw residents as “just a good guy who really loves animals.”

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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