Volunteer members of the Stewards of the Western Cemetery in Portland were conducting gravesite conservation on the afternoon of July 3 when they observed the resultant “artwork” of a free-spirited spray painter.

The perpetrator was still at the scene. He even bragged about his accomplishment on the inside wall of the cemetery’s iconic Daveis Gate. We informed the painter that he was on city property, that his defacement action was illegal, and that the police would be called.

Within minutes of police notification, four officers arrived on the scene and calmly and professionally handled the situation. They were familiar with the offending individual and knew to bring in a city social worker, who then took responsibility to remove the individual from the scene. Based on the oppressive heat and the absence of a threatening situation, the offender and his dog were taken to the city’s cooling shelter.

The spray paint damage had been done. Fortunately, the Stewards team was able to engage one of its members to professionally remove offending graffiti. An unfortunate event ended with the best-that-we-could-do happy ending that was reached in the spirit of our 250th national holiday.

It was a rewarding experience to see one person’s mistake be respectfully and properly addressed.

Sam Wilson
Treasurer, Stewards of the Western Cemetery
Portland