Corrections and probation officers from throughout British Columbia were honoured Monday at the annual Corrections Exemplary Service Medals award ceremony.

This year, 27 exceptional BC Corrections employees from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General received the awards from the Honourable Judith Guichon, lieutenant-governor of British Columbia, at a medal presentation ceremony at Government House.

The annual awards are presented to honour BC Corrections staff members who have reached milestones for exemplary service: the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal marks 20 years of service; the Corrections Exemplary Service Bar, 30 years; and the Corrections Exemplary Service Second Bar, 40 years. Five of the 27 award recipients received the Corrections Exemplary Service Bar – and one officer received the Second Bar – for their service.

The awards are the most prestigious national decoration for corrections professionals in Canada.

Quote:

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris –

“Congratulations to all of the BC Corrections staff who are receiving awards for decades of outstanding contributions and exemplary service in correctional centres and probation offices throughout B.C. The work of all those honoured has helped to change offenders’ lives for the better, in turn reducing reoffending and helping to make our communities safer. It’s work that can be as rewarding as it is demanding, and those who have committed twenty or more years to it deserve our respect and thanks.”

Quick Facts:

• The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal is awarded by the Governor General of Canada, via the lieutenant-governor, to deserving corrections staff upon BC Corrections’ recommendation.
• The medal recognizes exceptionally commendable service, not just length of service.
• The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal was created by Letters Patent signed by Her Majesty the Queen on June 11, 1984.

Learn More:

BC Corrections: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/corrections

A backgrounder follows.