Courtesy photo Gladstone’s two recently-recognized service members stand with their family members. From left to right are Cole Potier, Hunter Potier, Public Safety Officer Charity Potier, Volunteer Firefighter Jayson Frandle and Troy Frandle.

GLADSTONE — Two first responders in the City of Gladstone just received official commendation by the Gladstone Public Safety Department for their actions during an ice rescue that occurred this winter.

On Jan. 28, 2024, dispatch recieved a call about people in danger — after crossing some ice on the bay, two individuals and their gear went in the water in the Narrows.

Two public safety vehicles arrived on scene near the Gladstone Marina, as did a number of volunteers, a Michigan State Police officer, and a DNR officer who happened to be in the area.

As per their training, ice rescuers prepared to venture out. The first to get fully geared up in ice rescue suits were Public Safety Officer Charity Potier and Volunteer Firefighter Jayson Frandle. They set out onto the ice and successfully reached the people in distress, later identified as 38-year-old Steven Solberg and 39-year-old Tammi Miller, and brought them to safety.

“PSO Potier and Volunteer Firefighter Frandle’s quick response, training, and disregard for their own safety no doubt saved lives,” said Director of Public Safety Ron Robinson at the Gladstone City Commission meeting of March 25, just before presenting the honored two with certificates amidst applause at City Hall.

Robinson called the rescue “another testament of the outstanding and dedicated service that all public safety officers and volunteer firefighters provide on a daily basis.”