MARYSVILLE — Marysville Police Officer Bronwyn Kieland has been named the city of Marysville’s Employee of the Month for October of this year, for her service as a School Resource Officer and her role in combating graffiti in the community.
Kieland joined the force in 2001 and has been a key member of the Graffiti Task Force since its inception in 2007. As a result of her coordinated efforts with students in the Marysville middle school system, she has directly contributed to a dramatic reduction of reported incidents of graffiti in the greater Marysville area, according to Marysville Police Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux, who co-chairs the task force with city of Marysville Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew.
To date, the city has seen a reduction of nearly 78 percent of reported activity from 2008 levels, according to police statistics.
Ballew nominated Kieland for the monthly employee award, and said that her true expertise is in developing coalitions with Marysville youth, who Ballew said now understand the impacts and costs of graffiti, as well as the consequences of errant actions.
“Bronwyn has demonstrated fairness and due process in the fight against graffiti or other community challenges that occur with students, and she makes a genuine and positive impression in the young lives of many,” Ballew said.
Lamoureux said that, as a result of Kieland’s dedication and professional approach to a serious social condition, the citizens of Marysville are enjoying a more attractive urban landscape than in years past, when graffiti added to blight around some neighborhoods, businesses and schools. He cited the cleanup, education and enforcement work shared by Kieland and other graffiti-busters on the task force as contributing to a better community image.
Lamoureux added that many middle school students have been touched by Kieland’s accomplishments as an SRO.
“Kieland has done a remarkable job responding to law enforcement problems that arise on school grounds, and built a good relationship communicating with students, teachers and administrators to promote a safe school environment,” Lamoureux said.
