The tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer last week was an assault on all of us. With much of the nation, we mourn. We grieve for Mr. Floyd’s family and friends, and for a life cut short too soon.

I also understand the passion, anger and frustration of those who are speaking out to bring attention to the very real issues of racial disparity and police brutality. This incident was a painful example that, sadly, sometimes values and pledges are not reflected in practice.

I truly believe that here in Marysville, we are better than that. Our community is better, and our police department is better. I have proudly served in the Marysville Police Department for more than 30 years, virtually my whole career. It is our department’s mission and our practice to serve and protect the entire Marysville community with respect and dignity – no matter your skin color, age, gender or belief system. An officer who does not agree with and live by those values will not serve in the Marysville Police Department. 

In a very competitive hiring environment, we are working hard to hire more women and people of color to better reflect the community we serve, and we have a robust training program to better understand and respond appropriately to all of our residents. 

Marysville’s diverse population is one of our city’s strengths. Another is our proven ability to come together in hard times, listen to one another, and grow into a more supportive community. My wish is that, together, we hear the call and answer it. Every citizen deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

- Jeff Goldman, Interim Police Chief, Marysville Police Department