Public Safety and Solicitor General
Bravery and dedication beyond the call of duty were recognized in 56 women and men of law enforcement at B.C.’s 36th annual Police Honours Night this evening.
Maintaining a tradition begun in 1981, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris presented this year’s awards. Recipients from municipal departments and RCMP detachments, bearing ranks ranging from constable to inspector, received awards for their exceptional responses to various incidents and needs. These officers include:
- A Kamloops constable whose rapid intervention when a fellow officer was shot at close range prevented further harm, and whose rendering of first aid helped save the officer’s life.
- Two Vancouver Island officers who kicked in doors and braved a cluttered, exhaust-filled garage – where the concentration of carbon monoxide exceeded lethal levels – to pull a large, suicidal male to safety.
- Four officers who searched a burning Prince Rupert apartment building for occupants despite thick smoke and very limited visibility.
- A Vancouver staff sergeant who has developed digital applications to help volunteers track and disrupt property crime – and who, as a highly skilled negotiator, successfully resolved a 10-hour standoff with an armed, suicidal man.
(flickr.com) In all, 16 officers received the award of valour, the highest award for a police officer in B.C. These officers made a decision to place themselves at substantial personal risk to save others. Another 40 officers were feted with meritorious service honours, which recognize exemplary performance that exceeds expectations.
Quotes:
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris –
“Policing is no ordinary career. It takes guts, stamina, bravery and quick thinking. Each and every one of these awards reflects a situation that has brought out the very best in some of the men and women who serve British Columbians every day. These awards also remind us just how well-served we are by those on the front line in times of great need.”
Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon –
“The men and women recognized tonight demonstrated valour and dedication in their service to the public. On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend my gratitude to these police officers for their commendable service and for helping to keep our citizens and our communities safe and secure.”
Quick Facts:
- Police Honours Night recognizes members of independent municipal police forces, the RCMP, and First Nations and transit police services who have acted in an exemplary manner.
- In all, more than 9,000 members of these services deliver policing throughout B.C.
- Representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ministry’s Police Services Division comprise a committee that selected the recipients.
(flickr.com) Learn More:
Police Services Division website: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/policeservices/
A backgrounder follows.
