Bernadette Galvez, Memorial alumna, and Madison Fire Department Community Education Officer, recently received Wisconsin’s “Public Educator of the Year” award from the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association for her three decades of work in fire prevention education. A dedicated advocate for safety, Galvez has become an irreplaceable part of Madison’s community, particularly for her outreach in local schools where she teaches kids about fire safety each October during Fire Prevention Month. This initiative alone connects her with over 4,100 children annually. “It’s not work for me,” she says with a warm smile, reflecting on the deep connection she feels to her role and to Madison.
Galvez’s journey to this state honor reflects her lifelong dedication to community and service, a path that began in Madison’s own school system. Originally from the Philippines, her parents moved to the U.S. in 1962 when her father, an anesthesiologist, came to Ohio to help address a physician shortage. Bernadette and her older brother were born in Ohio, while her younger brother and sister were born after the family relocated to Madison. Her father later served as a sideline doctor for UW Badgers games, providing Bernadette with early memories of community involvement and a chance to enjoy UW sports. Growing up in Sunset Village, Galvez recalls walking with her siblings through the woods to Hoyt Elementary, where Principal Rush and Ms. Alice Tibbets left lasting impressions. She remembers fondly the sense of independence walking to school instilled in her. Later, the family moved to the Parkwood neighborhood, where she attended John Muir Elementary, also within walking distance.
At Ezekiel Gillespie (formerly Jefferson) Middle School, she encountered teachers like Mrs. Doyle, who served as role models in kindness and encouragement. By the time she reached Memorial High School, she had formed a strong sense of belonging and thrived under teachers like Mr. Richter, her P.E. teacher, who channeled her abundant energy, and Mr. Levine, a geometry teacher and hockey coach who inspired her to achieve an “A” in his class after struggling previously.
“My family emphasized education, faith, and community,” Galvez recalls. “I grew up not even knowing what bullying was—our friends were our friends, regardless of background.” But she vividly remembers the one moment of hurtful name-calling, recalling, “I didn’t even know what the word meant. But my parents taught me to navigate those situations with grace.”
While in her senior year, her family sent her to boarding school, a cultural choice that prioritized academics and family values. After graduating, she attended a Jesuit college in Mobile, Alabama, later transferring to UW-Madison before finishing her degree in criminal justice at Defiance College in Ohio. She returned to Madison, drawn by its four seasons and vibrant community, and found a role as a clerk with the Madison Fire Department in 1990. By 1994, she had become the department’s Community Education Officer, a role she’s held ever since, passionately engaging residents of all ages in safety education.
Over the years, her role has expanded significantly. Where once there were three education officers, now she carries the load herself, reaching around 45,000 people each year across schools, workplaces, and community events. She organizes “Safety Saturday” on Capitol Square, in partnership with numerous local organizations, attracting thousands annually for injury prevention and fire safety lessons. Her holistic approach in coordinating Madison Fire Department’s Children and Fire Program has led to meaningful, restorative interventions with youth around the dangers of fire-setting.
Madison Fire Marshal Bill Sullivan has praised Galvez as “unmatched in her energy and compassion,” and Fire Chief Chris Carbon calls her “the heart and soul of our community education initiatives.” Despite the changing landscape of public safety—which now includes more medical calls than fires—Galvez has tirelessly advocated for growth within the department to meet the city’s needs.
With her retirement planned for 2026, Galvez looks forward to continuing her legacy of service up through the next Safety Saturday, her favorite event of the year. She often tells students, “Be proud of your culture, and learn from each other. We’re all part of this community.” After more than 30 years of making an impact, she remains as passionate as ever, knowing that for her, the work has always been about the kids, Madison’s future, and the connections that make the community stronger.
