Public Safety Officer Charity Potier

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Department of Public Safety held its Christmas party over the weekend where two individuals were recognized for their outstanding service to the community.

Public Safety Officer Charity Potier was honored with the Officer of the Year award and Lt. Craig Lancour was honored as the Volunteer of the Year. Director Ron Robinson said he started the awards seven years ago and the winners are chosen by their peers.

“I put out the ballots to all the public safety officers and then separate ballots to all the volunteers, and they vote for who they think deserves the officer (and volunteer) of the year award,” he said.

Potier started with the department in 2022, coming from the Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Department. She currently works road patrol on the day shift. Lancour is a lieutenant with the volunteer fire department. He also provides ice rescue training and CPR training.

“It’s a great award because it’s voted by their peers. Their peers recognize that they performed above and beyond what is required of them and it’s just a great honor and I appreciate all their dedication and their commitment to the City of Gladstone,” Robinson said.