Glidden recognized for volunteerism with $10,000 award for Proctorsville Fire Department

Foxborough, Mass.

Bob Glidden Jr. of Proctorsville has been honored by the Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards for his volunteerism with the Proctorsville Fire Department.

Glidden was named one of 10 second place winners in New England. The award comes with a $10,000 prize that is to be presented to the Proctorsville Fire Department on his behalf. One grand prize winner was awarded $25,000, and 15 others were $5,000 awardees.

From left, Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Proctorsville firefighter Bob Glidden Jr. and Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett .

On June 9, the 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions at a luncheon and awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Each Community MVP received grants for their respective nonprofit organizations.

Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said, “Every volunteer has such a unique story about how they got involved in their community and it is very touching to learn about their impact. These individuals are making a lasting impact on a daily basis and we are excited to have the opportunity to thank each of them for their commitment. This is truly one of my favorite programs and I know Myra would be proud of the work each of these volunteers are doing.”

“To me, volunteering is a family tradition,” said Glidden. “I am a fourth generation firefighter. My family has always been about service to those around us. I am proud to carry on that tradition.”

Glidden began his volunteer work as a volunteer junior firefighter at the age of 12. For the past 20 years, he has been actively involved with the fire department, has been named first captain and was officially inducted as a life member this past year. Glidden is responsible for training all new firefighters and manages the junior firefighter program for teenagers.

Glidden’s selection as a 2015 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner drew praise from the Proctorsville Fire Department.

“What Bob Glidden does in the fire service, and what we all do at the Proctorsville Fire Department, we do because there is a need, and because it is meaningful to us,” said the organization in a statement. “We do not do it to be recognized. However, the fact that the Patriots have chosen to recognize Bob Glidden …. makes all of his brothers and sisters in the fire department extremely proud. Bob does amazing work and we are very happy that he is being appreciated on a grand scale, especially by a team he loyally follows and cheers for.”

Following Hurricane Irene, Glidden organized support crews to personally check in on the entire Proctorsville community and ensure that everyone was safe. As a fourth generation firefighter, his commitment to serving the community is unrivaled as he handles himself and his volunteer work with passion and professionalism.

“The feeling you get when you save someone’s life is like nothing else you will ever experience,” Glidden continued. “I also get a lot of enjoyment out of sharing my knowledge with my junior firefighters and watching them grow into firefighters.”

The 2015 MVPs represent all six New England states, a variety of nonprofit organizations and range in age from 17 to 83 years old. Nominations open each spring and the awards are open to all nonprofit organizations in the New England region. For more information on these awards, please visit www.patriots.com/community.