Two sheriffs have been recognized with high honours for outstanding achievement in B.C. Sheriff Services at an awards ceremony held on Saturday.

The Chief Sheriff Commendation, which recognizes outstanding achievement and is the highest honour a sheriff can receive, was awarded to Staff Sergeant Dale Lahaise of the Sheriff Provincial Operations Centre in Coquitlam. Lahaise is being recognized for a career of outstanding achievement and for developing a number of materials and protocols that have helped shape B.C. Sheriff Services. These include forming the ceremonial unit, improving recruitment, and developing the Escorts Manual and the B.C. Sheriff Services Dress and Deportment Manual.

The Deputy Chief Gene Walsh Commendation, which also recognizes outstanding achievement, was awarded to Inspector Nathan Davies of the Kelowna Sheriffs Office. He is being recognized for excelling at his job, handling difficult situations with grace and professionalism and demonstrating a high level of dedication above and beyond the scope of his duties.

Fourteen sheriffs were also awarded the Peace Officer Exemplary Service medal (POESM) for service of 20 years or longer.

Sheriffs provide a vital service to British Columbia by ensuring the safety and security of all justice system participants, including the judiciary, legal counsel, accused and the public while on court property or during transport.

B.C.'s Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton presented the awards at the annual B.C. Sheriff Services Retirement and Awards Gala in Coquitlam.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"Sheriffs play an important role of the Ministry of Justice and we are proud of their long and distinguished service to British Columbia. Congratulations to the sheriffs being recognized for their extraordinary dedication to the Sheriff Services and ensuring the safety and security of our courts."

Chief Sheriff Paul Corrado -

"It is an honour to be the new leader of BCSS and, having come through the ranks, I have worked alongside the men and women who serve this province with honour, integrity and commitment. I am proud of the personal accomplishments of the award recipients and very thankful to the retirees for their dedicated years of career service for the people of British Columbia."

Quick Facts:

• B.C. Sheriff Services of the Court Services Branch traces its roots back to 1857 when Governor James Douglas appointed the first sheriff for the colony of Vancouver Island.

• The Sheriffs Act was created in 1860. Back then, the role of the sheriff was to manage the jail, collect taxes and act as government agent and gold commissioner.

• B.C. Sheriff Services was formed in 1974, when county sheriffs were consolidated and placed under the Ministry of Attorney General.

• There are 510 sheriff positions in 2013/14.

• Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs work in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout the province.

Learn More:

For more information on Sheriff Services: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/sheriffs/index.htm

For more information on the Justice Institute of B.C.: http://www.jibc.ca/

Contact:

Carolyn Heiman
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 888-3545