Christopher Hopkins began working as Dallas County Animal Control Director four months ago.

The new job for Hopkins comes after serving five years in the U.S. Navy and years working in Dallas County.

Hopkins said he loves the career change. His job duties include picking up stray animals and dead animals off the streets in the county jurisdiction.

“I’m a big selfless serving guy,” Hopkins said. “I heard a lot of people in the county were having issues with animals. I get to go all over Dallas County and help people with their problems. It’s a thankless job, but I enjoy it.”

Hopkins admits that he had a few concerns before taking the position. His first official day was Oct. 15, 2018.

“One of the biggest concerns I had was being fearful of the political climate toward law enforcement,” Hopkins said. “I was scared to be out in the field by myself. I went through a couple by myself and that wasn’t a problem. The other concern was getting bit by dogs.”

Hopkins said he appreciates working for Dallas County. He was hired under the regime of Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman, who retired last month.

“Sheriff Huffman implemented a certain set of rules and I appreciated that,” Hopkins said. “I saw the similarity with the Navy.”

Hopkins is a Selma native and graduated from Dallas County High School in 2011. Hopkins and his wife, Montana Mielock, have a two-year-old son, Ian.

“It’s tough, my wife’s an animal lover,” Hopkins joked. “I compartmentalize. I talk about work with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. By the time I get home, it’s out of the system.”