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Dedication: Kern brings many assets to Vienna Police Department

Congratulations, to the newest member of the Vienna Police Department, Allyssa Kern of Williamstown.

For the most part, the big news surrounding Kern’s swearing-in was that she is the first female officer in Vienna’s 84-year history. That is a big deal.

“I’m very proud to stand beside her,” said Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp.

“This is a very special day for the city of Vienna,” he said. “She’ll bring a new dimension to the city we never had.”

Let’s take a moment, though, to focus on what else Kern will bring to her new role. She is dedicated and smart. She holds a bachelor’s of applied science in criminal justice from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, and was cited as a Presidential Scholar with a 4.0 grade point average this year. She is excited and ready. She reports to the West Virginia State Police Academy for training later this month.

She is brave. As Police Chief Mike Pifer noted, she has demonstrated the courage for taking the oath to become a police officer.

And she wants to keep all those assets — she wants to pursue her passion to protect and serve others — here, in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

THAT is a big deal.

We are glad she has decided to do so.

Rapp was right when he said to Kern “You will not be alone.” We hope her decision will encourage others, male and female, to follow her lead.

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