City Appoints Retired Alexandria Police Sergeant as New Chief Animal Control Officer

Alexandria City Council formally appointed Joe Seskey the new chief officer of Animal Control on Tuesday.

Seskey, a recently retired Alexandria police sergeant, was selected after a national search of candidates and an interview process conducted by city staff and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Seskey served the APD in various capacities for 25 years, most recently as the supervisor of the department’s Operations Support Bureau, Office of Special Events. He helped oversee the coordination of special events such as parades and street festivals and large-scale emergency operations.

“I’ve known Joe for many, many years, most recently as the police department’s logistics coordinator for events,” Mayor Bill Euille said. “I know how demanding he is in getting things in order. … I can’t wait to get to the shelter to see how he gets those animals under control, making sure they get up at a certain time in the morning and standing up straight.”

The Del Ray Business Association has honored Seskey for his work coordinating events like Art on the Avenue and the neighborhood’s Halloween Parade.

“I’m just very pleased and honored to be considered for this appointment and excited to serve the city in another capacity,” Seskey said.