Marysville Police Department Chief Chris Sachs speaks about newly sworn-in Officers Renee Soto-Guzman and Tyler Vaitautolu before family members pinned on their badges. Photo courtesy of Marysville Police Department

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The law enforcement team here just got stronger.

Marysville City Clerk Nicole Moe officially swore in Officers Renee Soto-Guzman and Tyler Vaitautolu at the June 4 council meeting. But before she did the honors, Mayor Chris Branscum said a few words.

"This is an important time in a couple of young men's lives and it's an important day in Marysville in any respect," Branscum said.

Marysville Police Chief Chris Sachs also had a few words.

"I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching both of these young men at the police academy and recruiting them from the Yuba College Modular Academy," Sachs said. "Renee was set and destined to go to Woodland but we steered him back toward Marysville and we are glad to have him."

According to the police chief, Vaitautolu, who is called "V," is a "tough guy and negotiator."

"He negotiated for about six or seven months," Sachs said. "He was kind of knocking on Rocklin's door for a hot minute and I kept begging him, and at the end of the day, he is here and we are happy to have both of them."

 Officers Renee Soto-Guzman and Tyler Vaitautolu being sworn into the Marysville Police Department on June 4 by City Clerk Nicole Moe. Photo courtesy of Marysville Police Deparment

Negotiations are seemingly taking place throughout the Golden State, according to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), which reports that "almost half of California's law enforcement officers work for municipal police departments."

The Public Policy Institute of California reports between 2021 and 2011, California lost up to 1,500 sworn staff and 100 civilians.

"Over the past two years, staffing levels are down by 4.5% and 3%, respectively," the Public Policy Institute of California reported. 

Furthermore, the Public Policy Institute of California reports that males dominate sworn law enforcement at 86%.

"Of the roughly 76,000 sworn officers in 2022, about 65,860 were patrol officers and over 10,260 worked in county jails," the Public Policy Institute of California reports.

Wherever Soto-Guzman and Vaitautolu posts are within the Marysville Police Department, they will excel, according to Sachs, who said both gave "super strong" physical and academic performance at the academy," while adding that the two officers are dedicated to the community and family oriented.

"Welcome aboard, both of you; I am proud to have you serve in the city of Marysville and the department," Sachs said before inviting family members to pin badges on the two new officers.

City Council members gave the two new officers a standing ovation before they left City Hall for the first time as official Marysville Police officers.