AT THE ALLEN / SPRING 2025 / 13 of anyone, because everyone is so intelligent and you can see their passion for art come out when they talk. It’s so clear that they love what they do.” Before joining the Allen’s team, officer Will Granthamworked security at Mercy Health’s Lorain hospital for 11 years. Interacting with staffmembers and the Volunteer Guild are some of his favorite things about the position. He prefers the museum environment compared to the high-stress conditions of a medical center. “I feel like I belong here. Everyone’s always in a great mood, and we all do what we can to uplift each other,” Grantham said. “This is the first job where I can truly say I love my coworkers: we all want to make the museum a pleasant place for everyone, both staff and students.” Jerry Franciscus has worked in the security field for 31 years prior to joining the Allen’s team. Compared to his past positions at a juvenile detention center and as a guard for the city of Lakewood’s parks, he finds working at the museum is calmer. He enjoys working with students, watching them in the classroom and attending their presentations. “I haven’t had to tackle an art thief or break up any fights, but there are lots of little things you have to pay attention to,” Franciscus said. “You can tell when someone walks “ Communication goes bothways: down and up. I encourage feedback. I ask, ‘what’s working?’ or ‘what’s not working?’We sync our priorities, from howmany classeswe have coming in, to what doorswe need to open.We all need to be on the same page.” — Roger Goff, Manager of Property Protection Roger Goff and Leondist DuVall through a certain gallery by the specific way the floor creaks.” The officers have developed an interest in the art. DuVall enjoys learning about artworks from the curators. Goff is fascinated by the older objects in collections. Grantham loves howmuch he’s learned about different art movements and styles since starting work here. “Anything and everything could be considered art. I didn’t consider the diversity of art until I began working here,” Franciscus said. His favorite object in the Allen’s collection is a painting of Saint Sebastian because of its rich symbolism: “It unfortunately reflects the world today just as much as it did back then. People are victimized for their beliefs, who they are, and what they stand for. We’re caught in the same cycle we were thousands of years ago.” The Allen’s security team safeguards artworks, staff, and guests—but that’s not all. Individual officers are friendly and knowledgeable faces working to promote a welcomingmuseum environment. Together, the officers’ synergy, stellar communication, and commitment to surveillance make the Allen as secure as possible. MIKE CRUPI
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