On Thursday night, the province held its 37th annual Police Honours Night at the Government House here in Victoria.
In total, 106 women and men from law enforcement agencies across B.C. were recognized for their dedicated service, including 7 officers from Vancouver Island.
“We rely on the officers we honour tonight to do the difficult and dangerous work of protecting all that we hold dear, often without expressing the gratitude and the respect they so deserve,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a news release.
“On behalf of all British Columbians, we thank you for your bravery, courage and dedication to duty.”
Awards were presented by the minister and the Lt. Gov., Janet Austin, to officers of varying rank from diverse departments and detachments.
Some of the recipients include:
- A constable from Abbotsford who displayed exceptional bravery and paid the ultimate sacrifice as the first responder to a call of shots fired;
- Members from Delta who rescued an injured, suicidal male from the ocean;
- Team members from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service who searched an expansive avalanche debris field during dangerous conditions for five missing hikers;
- Members from the Lower Mainland District and Vancouver Police Department Emergency Response teams who placed themselves at substantial risk entering the residence of an active shooter to perform a hostage rescue;
- A constable from Grand Forks who demonstrated exceptional commitment over a seven-year period to conclude a missing persons investigation;
- Members from North Cowichan/Duncan who entered a burning home despite thick smoke and limited visibility, to search for a missing resident; and
- A member from Surrey whose leadership in identifying the fentanyl crisis led to ensuring B.C.’s RCMP officers were authorized and trained to carry life-saving naloxone.
In total, 49 officers received the award of valour, the highest award for police officers in B.C., while 57 officers were granted honours for meritorious service.
Officers from Vancouver Island that were recognized include:
Award of Valour
- Michael Wagar – entered the residence of an active shooter to perform a hostage rescue, Nanaimo Detachment.
- Constables Cydney MacNeill, Kayle Ramsay and Linsey Warren – entered a burning apartment building to search for and evacuate residents, North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment.
Awards for Meritorious Service
- Det. Alex Wood – provided medical intervention to a suicidal male with self-inflicted neck wounds, Central Saanich Police Service.
- Detective Constable Alexander Charles – created and implemented Gang Tackle, an anti-gang diversion program for at-risk youth, Victoria Police Department.
- Const. Nathan Poyzer – searched for a mother and her two young children lost on Sumas Mountain, North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment.
