Long Time Phoenix Graffiti Fighters Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Phoenix City Council Meeting
Long Time Phoenix Graffiti Fighters Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Phoenix City Council Meeting
Betty Bellanger has donated more than 8,000 hours of time in the past twelve years, keeping her community graffiti free while also working on behalf of the children of the New North Town Fight Back Association.
Gerald Abmont has logged more than 35,000 hours and used his own resources in traveling a 90-mile route several days a week, wiping out graffiti vandalism. He has been active in the fight against graffiti crime for more than 15 years.
"Betty is a tireless leader who is always putting her community before herself," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "The hours she gives to her community are insurmountable. Gerald has played an amazing role in the fight against graffiti. His focus and determination are awe-inspiring."
The duo will be presented the award by NoGraffiti.com, a California-based nonprofit organization certified to present the award on behalf of the Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The fight against graffiti crime is a growing focus of Phoenix neighborhood leaders and the Neighborhood Services Department. The NSD Graffiti Busters program is on track to eradicate approximately 40,000 graffiti sites this year, while making presentations in Phoenix schools and instructing neighborhood groups on the use of powerful paint sprayers so residents can organizes their own anti-graffiti "clean sweep" campaigns.
Graffiti vandalism is most often the work of juveniles not affiliated with gangs, according to Phoenix Police statistics. It can be prosecuted as a felony in cases of extreme damage, and parents of juvenile offenders can be held responsible for up to $10,000 in damages.
A Graffiti Reward Hotline offers $250 for information on graffiti vandals at 602-262-7327. Police says calls to the hotline resulted in nine arrests between mid February and the end of April, 2005.
Betty Bellanger has donated more than 8,000 hours of time in the past twelve years, keeping her community graffiti free while also working on behalf of the children of the New North Town Fight Back Association.
Gerald Abmont has logged more than 35,000 hours and used his own resources in traveling a 90-mile route several days a week, wiping out graffiti vandalism. He has been active in the fight against graffiti crime for more than 15 years.
"Betty is a tireless leader who is always putting her community before herself," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "The hours she gives to her community are insurmountable. Gerald has played an amazing role in the fight against graffiti. His focus and determination are awe-inspiring."
The duo will be presented the award by NoGraffiti.com, a California-based nonprofit organization certified to present the award on behalf of the Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The fight against graffiti crime is a growing focus of Phoenix neighborhood leaders and the Neighborhood Services Department. The NSD Graffiti Busters program is on track to eradicate approximately 40,000 graffiti sites this year, while making presentations in Phoenix schools and instructing neighborhood groups on the use of powerful paint sprayers so residents can organizes their own anti-graffiti "clean sweep" campaigns.
Graffiti vandalism is most often the work of juveniles not affiliated with gangs, according to Phoenix Police statistics. It can be prosecuted as a felony in cases of extreme damage, and parents of juvenile offenders can be held responsible for up to $10,000 in damages.
A Graffiti Reward Hotline offers $250 for information on graffiti vandals at 602-262-7327. Police says calls to the hotline resulted in nine arrests between mid February and the end of April, 2005.
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