MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The Marshfield Police Department is excited to welcome Nicole Gruber, one of its newest officer who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service. Officer Gruber recently graduated from the police academy and has already started her journey with the department, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the community.
(RELATED: Meet new MPD Officer Harley Jones.)
With Central Wisconsin roots in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, Gruber graduated from Port Edwards High School in 2014 before attending college in La Crosse. There, she pursued a degree in criminal justice while actively participating in basketball and volleyball. Reflecting on her journey, Gruber recalls, “I’ve always been interested in fixing things and helping people. Growing up, law enforcement officers were always seen as the good guys, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
After college, Gruber began her career in law enforcement at the Wood County Jail, where she worked from 2018 to 2021. Seeking a change, she briefly ventured into Human Services and later worked in the District Attorney’s office for about a year and a half. It was during this time that she realized her true passion lay in direct community involvement and law enforcement.
Gruber’s decision to join the Marshfield Police Department was influenced by her encounter with Marshfield Police Chief Jody Geurink, who also serves as an instructor at the police academy.
“Jody’s passion and the direction he described for the department really resonated with me,” Gruber said. “I wanted to find a department where I could spend my career, not just a place to get experience and move on.”
Gruber’s dedication and commitment were evident during her time at the academy, where she served as the vice president of her class and received the Dr. Clark Pagel Exemplary Academy Recruit Award. She graduated from the academy on May 15 and started at the Marshfield Police Department the following week.
As a new officer, Gruber is eager to learn and grow within the department. She is currently in the Field Officer (FO) process, which involves training with another officer for the next four months. Her immediate goal is to become proficient in her duties as a patrol officer.
“I just want to be a good officer,” she explained. “Watching my colleagues and learning from them is really important to me.”
Gruber is also passionate about community engagement and hopes to participate in programs such as “Shop with a Cop” and Special Olympics events. “The more we can be involved in the community, the better positioned we will be in the future,” she noted.
Outside of her professional life, Gruber enjoys a variety of activities. She spends time with her two dogs, Willa, a Golden Retriever, and Cam, a Lab-Hound mix. Gruber and her husband, who she said has been “nothing but supportive” throughout her career transition, enjoy spending time on their boat and traveling when they can. Fitness is also a significant part of her life, as she dedicates much of her free time to working out.
Gruber believes that effective communication between the police and the community is crucial for success. She encourages community members to engage openly and respectfully with the police, fostering a mutual understanding and cooperation.
“Communication is a lost art,” she remarked. “But if we can communicate effectively, it will strengthen our relationship with the community.”
Looking ahead, Gruber is excited about her role and is committed to making a long-term impact in Marshfield.
“I’m really excited to be here,” she said. “I wanted to find a department where I could spend my career, and Marshfield felt like the right place for me. I’m looking forward to serving this community and being a part of it for many years to come.”
Welcome, Officer Gruber!
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Author: News Desk
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