Cumberland County recognizes Ignite internship cohort and proclaims April for child-abuse prevention; honors animal-control staff

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners recognized the county’s third Ignite internship cohort and approved commemorative proclamations for child-abuse prevention and animal-care staff during its April 7 meeting.

County leaders introduced the Ignite internship program cohort, saying the program — launched January 31, 2025 — received 44 applications and onboarded 10 interns from undergraduate, graduate and recent-graduate applicant pools. Ty Vaught, chief of staff and interim community development director, and Dominique Hall, human resources director, led the introductions; individual interns and their departmental assignments were read into the record, including placements in public health, human resources, employee wellness, ITS, justice services and solid waste.

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Faith Bemer, prevention and volunteer coordinator at the Todd Advocacy Center, told commissioners the center received 772 referrals last year and conducted more than 500 forensic interviews; she thanked the board for support and noted community awareness efforts such as blue pinwheels displayed locally.

Commissioners also recognized staff from Animal Services as part of National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. Elaine Smith, director of Animal Services, thanked commissioners and staff for their support and noted the department’s workforce. Commissioner Adams presented the recognition.

The acknowledgements and proclamations were approved by motion and did not require further board action or funding decisions at the meeting.