John Gudwer has been a Delta County resident for most of his life and has worked in law enforcement for more than 23 years. He began his career as a corrections officer in the Delta County Jail, where he first saw the toll that drugs and alcohol can take on individuals in the community. He later worked road patrol for the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department before becoming an officer for Escanaba Public Safety, where he currently serves as Detective Lieutenant.

Throughout his law enforcement career, John has seen the impact that substance use can have—not just financially, but emotionally—on individuals and families. He has witnessed the strain it places on relationships, the challenges faced by children in unstable home environments, and the ripple effects substance use can have beyond the person using.

At Escanaba Public Safety, John leads the Angel program, which helps connect individuals with substance use issues to treatment options. “If we can help someone find a path forward, it not only benefits them—it can also begin to restore relationships and improve the lives of those around them,” John says.

Through this work, John also recognized the limited resources available for the families and friends of those struggling with substance use. “While there are treatment options for individuals who seek help, it can be difficult for their loved ones to know where to turn,” he shares. John joined Families Against Narcotics to help strengthen support for families in these situations and hopes the organization will serve as a trusted resource for the community.