By Sandy James
Review Staff Writer
Published: April 10, 2008

Going to high school can be one of the happiest childhood experiences, or depending on the day’s events, one of the most frightening experiences. Fortunately, Orange County High School has a dedicated man on site to ensure the safety of staff and students. Deputy Garcia Madison is the school’s resource officer.
“Deputy Madison is an advocate for the safety and security of the students, staff and visitors at the high school and does his part to create that safe atmosphere,” said Ann Bledsoe, Orange County Public Schools Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Public Outreach.
“He is very proactive….he attempts to assess situations and handle them, before they escalate into something bigger. I have heard his co-workers use the words, supportive, caring and encouraging when they speak of Deputy Madison and his interactions with the students (and adults),” she said.
“Deputy Madison is a gentle giant, with a heart for students and a head for the law.  He gives great guidance and encouragement to our students,” said Dr. William Crawford, school superintendent.
Madison has been the resource officer at Orange County High School for the last 2 ½ years.
His job there entails the handling of any situations that involve law enforcement, but he does so much more.
Madison said the number one priority is safety for the students, staff and administration.
“Since the tragic events at Columbine, and more recently Virginia Tech, things are different,” he said.
Aside from immediate safety issues, Madison also tries to help students work through problems so they can get the most from their education.
“We’re here to listen, to lend an ear and sometimes give advice to students and parents,” he said.
Madison often holds conferences with students and parents.
Madison’s main reason for his job choice is simple.
“I’m a parent. I have children in the school system. I know how it feels to send your children off to school, and I know how to interact with the students,” he said.
“I have a wonderful relationship with the staff and a good rapport with the students,” he said.
Most of the law enforcement issues Madison deals with at the high school are concerning larceny and aggression. He said students have a lot of small electronic devices, such as phones and iPods that frequently come up missing.
“A lot of students take the boyfriend/girlfriend thing way too seriously, and this can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior,” he said.
Madison has been with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for nearly 11 years. He is also a minister at Emmanuel Christian Center in Ruckersville.
He attributes his success in life to his upbringing and his friendly hometown.
“I’m a product of Gordonsville,” he said. “I grew up in a good neighborhood.”
Madison’s family has always been his inspiration. His late father was the chaplain at the Central Virginia Regional Jail and Coffeewood. His mother still lives in Gordonsville.
“I grew up being taught that the family is the greatest institution. I think if things are good at home, it will flow over into the schools,” he said.
Madison said he feels things are tougher for young people these days, with a higher divorce rate and less family structure.
Madison said if he could change anything about his job, he would just like to see more parent involvement in the education process.
Ray Breeden, school security officer, has known Madison for 11 years.
“I worked closely with Deputy Madison at the sheriff’s office,” he said.
Breeden trained Madison in the DARE program and worked with him in the schools.
Breeden was the resource office for three years and trained Madison for the position.
“He is an outstanding individual. He’s easy to work with, very patient and understanding,” Breeden said.
“Deputy Madison is a tremendous asset to the high school administration and staff and the sheriff’s office and he’s a wonderful guy to have with our kids,” said Breeden.
“Deputy Madison is a true asset to the school,” Principal Eugene Kotulka said.
“I have seen a lot of resource officers in other school systems using the position as a stepping stone to the sheriff’s office. But Deputy Madison has chosen this as his vocation,” said Kotulka.
“He has a good demeanor with the students. He knows the students and their families. I have seen him go through difficult situations with some students, and they still respect him when they come back to school,” Kotulka said.