Marysville Volunteer Program members meet for a group picture before hitting the streets on work assignments and planning the volunteer schedule for the weeks ahead. The MVP Chevy SUV was donated by Roy Robinson Chevrolet and Subaru, a founding and longtime sponsor of the program since its inception. Pictured from left are Brad Hovik, Merle Yoney, Bob Rise, Daryl Moses, Charlotte Tindall, Guy Tindall, Jay Hyde and Don Northrop. Not pictured: Jim Lee, Micki Moses, Nancy Hovik, Chris Troxell, Josh Musser, John Chatterton and Jerry Sorenson.

 

Marysville police use a variety of proactive community-based programs and crime prevention techniques to reduce crime and instill a sense of safety for citizens, and one of the more visible and effective programs is the Marysville Volunteer Program (MVP).

The program is the next generation of the nationally-recognized, all-volunteer Marysville Seniors Against Crime (MSAC) program. The original initiative was begun in 1989 by a group of retired seniors who had the time, energy and desire to help make their community a safer place.

Re-branding with the MVP name is a reflection that the all-volunteer program isn't just for seniors anymore. Composed of 15 adult volunteers, they are hoping to build their ranks by welcoming all ages, from young adult to senior, to join the group. MVP already has two younger members with an interest in learning more about law enforcement careers and helping prevent crime in their city.

"Crime prevention is a responsibility shared by everyone, not just a job for the police," said Lt. Darin Rasmussen, who oversees MVP. "These volunteers are an extra set of eyes and ears for our commissioned police officers. The work they do lets officers focus their efforts on other proactive policing duties."

MVP tasks range from vacation house checks to school ground and parking lot patrols, removal of illegally posted signs, and assistance with Neighborhood Watch programs. Volunteers also help with special events like the recent National Night Out Against Crime.

On a ride-along recently, volunteers Jay Hyde and Daryl Moses pulled illegal sign duty. Hyde is a retired electrician and Moses is a retired Scott Paper Co. foreman who has served with the MVP program for a decade. They hopped into the customized MVP Chevy SUV, donated by longtime program partner Roy Robinson Chevrolet and Subaru.

The duo confiscated their share of garage and yard sale signs, but "lost pet" signs were more in abundance, affixed to stop sign posts and telephone poles. The signs can cause driver distraction and leave behind an unsafe buildup of nails and staples.

Hyde observed that residents are starting to get the message that signs cannot be posted on utility poles, streets signs, trees or public property. "People are still placing them illegally in places, but they seem to at least be doing a better job of taking them down after the sale is over," he said.

The two also patrol parking areas and lots searching for handicapped-parking scofflaws. If MVP volunteers are unable to speak directly to a driver, they leave a blue-colored courtesy warning on the windshield. It's not a ticket, but the illegal parking is recorded in case of a repeat violation.

Moses added, "Our job isn't to enforce; it's to educate."

For Charlotte Tindall, a five-year veteran with the MVP and retired 15-year EMT with a private ambulance service, the decision to join the program was an easy one.

"We're citizens, and we're all interested in helping to keep our city a safe and pleasant place to live, work and play," she explained. Besides, "This makes better use of my spare time."

She is quick to point out that most of the members donate time to other charities and locations including the Marysville Community Food Bank, hospitals and the battered women's shelter.

Moses gains great satisfaction from the few hours of work he puts in on a given day. "It's really something you feel good about."

Residents interested in joining the program are invited to pick up an MVP application at the Marysville Police Department, 1635 Grove St., or download it from the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov.

For more information contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (360) 363-8325. If you would like to start up a Neighborhood Watch, call Lt. Rasmussen at (360) 363-8319.

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