School Resource Officer (SRO) Mallory Nelsen was awarded 2025 “Officer of the Year” and Volunteer Firefighter Bob Madden was awarded 2025 “Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.”

The awards recognize the dedication and impact both honorees have made through their service to GPS and the community.

“I was surprised,” said Nelsen. “I appreciate all of it. I do my job because I love my job, specifically in this school resource officer position.”

GPS recognized Nelsen on their Facebook page:

Volunteer Firefighter Bob Madden, left, was recognized as 2025 "Volunteer Firefighter of the Year" by Gladstone Public Safety. In this photo, Madden stands with Matt Smith, Gladstone's volunteer fire chief. (Courtesy of Gladstone Public Safety)

“School Resource Officer Mallory Nelsen has not only taken on the role of SRO for the Gladstone Schools, she has gone above and beyond what is expected of her and she has no doubt had a big impact on our youth.”

While Nelsen was honored for her work and dedication to Gladstone’s schools and her work on patrol, Madden was recognized for his long-standing commitment and support within the fire department.

“I was amazed that they recognized me, because I don’t fight a lot of fire – I’m on the trucks, I give my knowledge out there, I help them with ideas and stuff. I think that’s why they recognized me this year,” said Madden.

GPS also made a statement on Facebook regarding Madden’s service, saying “Volunteer Firefighter Bob Madden is a huge asset to community and brings a wealth of knowledge to the department. Bob not only volunteers to fight fires, he shares his experience by training other firemen in the department.”

While Nelsen has been with the department for over three years, she has been an officer for 16 years.

In her position as school resource officer, Nelsen focuses on keeping Gladstone Area Schools safe, building positive relationships with students and staff and making sure she is visible and available to students. She also works with school administration for safety planning and precaution measures.

Her passion for the profession began at a young age and has only grown stronger over time.

“I’ve known what I wanted to do since I was 16,” said Nelsen. “I don’t know what it was that led me down this path, but I love my job. I know I wanted to help people, because I am an older sibling.”

For Nelsen, the role goes beyond enforcement and centers on connection and care.

“It’s about building relationships, keeping people safe, helping people on their worst days and keeping situations calm, being the calm in the middle of a storm.”

Nelsen also recognized the achievements of her coworkers and their strong connections within the department.

“I think the relationships that I have with my coworkers, the relationships that I have with the school staff and my boss, Director (Ron) Robinson – they make it what it is.”

Her gratitude extends beyond the department to the community she serves.

“I’m extremely thankful for the community and the schools. This is home. I feel like I’m finally giving back.”

Madden, who has been a volunteer firefighter with the department for more than two years, said his involvement is rooted in a lifelong belief in giving back.

“It’s a lot of fun. I’m a believer in volunteering and helping the community, so I try to be active around in the community like that. I can’t do everything, but I sure do everything I can.”

While he is technically retired, Madden continues to dedicate his time to volunteering after more than 35 years in the field at various departments.

“I started up here at Escanaba Township when they started their fire department back up in 1980,” said Madden.

After serving in departments across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Manistique, Madden later joined Gladstone Public Safety. He and Nelsen previously worked together at the Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Department.

“He’s deserving of the award,” noted Nelsen about Madden’s service. “He’s new to our volunteers, and he comes with a lot of knowledge. It’s fantastic to have him.”

In Madden’s position as a volunteer firefighter, he responds to wildfires in the area, assists in search and rescue missions, responds to vehicle accidents to help with extrication when needed and more. He is also a Michigan state-certified fire instructor and works on Gladstone’s ice rescue team.

“I would like to thank and recognize every volunteer on the Gladstone Fire Department, because to be a volunteer, you’re a special person,” said Madden. “I think everybody that’s on the department is special. I don’t care if it’s Gladstone or any department – if you’re a volunteer and you’re doing something for the community, that’s great.”

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.