Guilford College Public Safety, or P-Safe, is a job that may get overlooked from time to time by some of the students on our campus.

These are the men and women that, throughout each day and night, keep Guilford College a safe environment.

Each year, one of these officers is chosen as the Public Safety officer of the year. An officer can be nominated by anyone from the Guilford community who offers a reason for why a particular officer should be honored. After the nominees are reviewed, someone outside of the Public Safety department reviews the nominations and selects a winner.

This year’s officer of the year is David Gauldin. Gauldin typically works the night shift from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on campus and has been doing so for the majority of his four and a half years at the school.

“It is an honor, particularly to be voted by the Guilford community,” said Gauldin. “It took me by surprise, and I did not expect it.”

Before coming to Guilford, Gauldin served in the Marines for eight years and   was stationed in Japan, Norway, Cuba, Ireland, Spain and the Philippines.

He has a five-year-old daughter named Gracie and a half-American, half– English bulldog named Phoenix.

In his free time, he is an avid golfer.

When asked about what he felt he helps students with the most, Gauldin cited his help during especially stressful times.

“Being able to keep everyone calm in different situations, particularly finals,” said Gauldin. “Keeping stress levels low is important and is something I have always tried to do.”

Many people on campus are very appreciative of what Gauldin does for the Guilford community, from Head of Public Safety Ron Stowe to the students who interact with Gauldin.

“David consistently shows a lot of interest and concern for the students,” said Stowe. “He is the type of guy that I don’t hesitate to hear what he has to say.”

A student from campus sent in a nomination for Gauldin. Not only has he stood out to this student as an officer but as a role model as well.

“I wanted to especially send thanks for the work that David has done in my life,” the student said in their nomination. “He has become more than just a protector of this campus but has been a vital part of my support system here at Guilford. His care for me is something that I didn’t think should have gone unrecognized.”