Officer Maxwelle Ellis didn’t plan on becoming a police officer when he first set out in life. But once he began exploring careers which combined service, leadership and real-world problem solving, law enforcement “clicked.”

Years later, Ellis has earned high praise within the Monument Police Department and beyond. In June, Ellis was named the department’s 2025 Officer of the Year, an honor to his commitment to both safety and community relationships.

“I found that [law enforcement] was a career that let me help people directly, every day,” Ellis said. “It’s not just about enforcement, it’s about being a positive presence.”

Ellis has served with Monument PD since 2020, bringing what he describes as a “steady and approachable” presence to his patrol work and specialized assignments. He is a founding member of the Tactical Patrol Officer Program, a unit which responds to high-risk or complex calls while also supporting strategic patrol operations.

“We built it to be proactive, not just reactive,” Ellis said. “We wanted to fill a gap and make sure our officers had options for responding to evolving situations.”

However, it’s not just high-level police work that defines Ellis’ service.

As the department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Monument Academy, Ellis is a daily fixture on campus, building relationships with students and staff. This year, Monument Academy’s senior class unanimously selected him to be their 2025 commencement speaker. The selection came as a humbling surprise to Ellis, he said.

“It meant the world to me,” Ellis said. “When teenagers think of law enforcement, they don’t always associate it with someone who understands or listens. So for them to choose me, it told me I was doing something right.”

In his address to the graduating class, Ellis spoke about values like resilience, kindness and responsibility both in life and in community. He wanted to let the seniors know, no matter where they go, “showing up for others” makes all the difference, he said.

Additionally, Ellis is often the officer many in the Monument department turn to for mentorship and guidance. He is reputed as consistent, dependable and community minded.

“I try to show younger officers that the way you treat people matters,” Ellis said. “Respect is the foundation of trust.”

The Officer of the Year award, announced on the department’s social media platforms, highlighted Ellis’ leadership and impact both within the department and across Monument. His roles in law enforcement in the town have gained him a reputation of trust through both his actions and presence, defining his service not only by enforcement but by engagement, leadership and mentorship. Ellis said to any young person who is thinking of a career and future in public service, it starts with a question; How can I help?

“If that’s at the heart of what you do, you’ll find your path,” he said.

As for his own path, Ellis said he feels fortunate to have found his in Monument.

“This is where I want to be,” he said. “It’s not just my job, it’s my community.”