Dedication, courage and compassion defined the local RCMP detachment’s “Recognition of Excellence Awards,” held in Chilliwack last week.
More than 90 awards were presented to officers, support staff, and civilians for their actions by Superintendent Bryon Massie, Officer in Charge of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment.
The annual event recognizes exceptional performances and service to the communities of the Upper Fraser Valley, which include Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz and Boston Bar.
“It is my honour to acknowledge each recipient this evening for their dedication, courage and perseverance to achieve these extraordinary deeds,” said Supt. Massie.
“I applaud family, friends, and co-workers, who every day, support all of our officers in the communities they serve.”
Among the awards presented was one to an RCMP member who had gone out of his way to support an Alberta mother whose son was missing in the area.
Throughout the search the RCMP investigator remained in close touch with the woman, “showing genuine care, concern, and providing encouragement.”
Then one day, the mother related, “I received a call from the officer and he put my son on the phone… he was safe!
“He (the officer) took my son to a safe place, and so was the beginning of a new life for my boy.”
But that wasn’t the end of the story. Three years later, while the RCMP member was helping with efforts during the devastating wildfires of 2017, he was offered a cup of coffee in the community of Likely, B.C.
The woman who offered the coffee turned out to be the mother the officer had supported in 2014.
“The compassion, integrity, and respect offered by the officer exemplified commitment to the community and the RCMP core values,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the RCMP.
Other awards went to:
• An off duty officer who rendered assistance to an injured hiker stranded down an embankment.
• Partners in the community providing services to those in need.
• A Chilliwack Crime Reduction Unit investigation that led to the seizure of firearms and large amounts of illegal drugs.
• An off duty officer who took action in an active shooter situation in a remote location prior to police arriving at the scene.