The Delta Police Department recognized heroic officers, support staff, volunteers and residents during its annual awards ceremony last week at Genesis Theatre in Ladner.
Chief Jim Cessford said it's the day-to-day commitment of these people that strengthens the police department and makes Delta a safer place to live.
"Our annual awards ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate those who responded above and beyond the call of duty," Cessford said.
The homicide investigation team that worked on the Laura Szendrei murder case in North Delta received a Deputy Chief Commendation, as did Const. Jason Martens for saving a woman who was trying to jump off the Alex Fraser Bridge, and constables Grayson Smith, Catherine Fiddick and Cameron Wilson for their efforts in trying to save a motorist submerged in a ditch.
Police Board Commendations went to Jean Dirksen and James Ranta, for 25 years of volunteering at community police stations in North Delta and Tsawwassen. Sue Fabbro also received one for her dedicated work with the force.
Taylor Goundrey, William Milligan, Madison Goundrey, Julia De Jong and Griffyn Harker received a Police Board Commendation for helping police catch a burglary suspect.
Other recipients of Police Board Commendations were Rob Flaman, for helping to save a suicidal man, Wayne Kiland for preventing a woman from jumping off the Alex Fraser Bridge, Kuldip Toor for intervening in a stabbing and Brian Twaites for his efforts to save a motorist who was having a heart attack.
Police Board Commendations also went to Marc Cozzuol and Ashton Kobzos for helping save the life of a man who collapsed at Kennedy Pub in North Delta, Shane Symons and Mitchell Winter for helping to save a 14-year-old who had a heart attack at McDonald's in Ladner, and constables Garth Hoffman and Jim Gravel for their commitment and dedicated to the Delta police's "Use of Force" training section.
For his exceptional courage, Const. Dennis Mah was awarded the Chief Constable Commendation for risking his life as he tried to stop a man intent on assaulting his own wife.
Mayor Lois Jackson presented Insp. Lorne Pike with an award from Tory MP Kerri-Lynn Findlay for his commitment to major crime investigations.
Exemplary Service Medals, for 20 years' service, were presented to S/Sgt. Debbie McLeod, Sgt. Cal Traversy, Sgt. Chris Borgstede and Const. Terry Sansregret, and Exemplary Service Medals for 30 years' service were presented to Insp. Kaare Coupar and retired constables Dave Winberg and Dan Davidson.
