Saving a teenager in crisis on the Alex Fraser Bridge, rescuing a woman held hostage at knifepoint or being a good citizen and helping police nab a fraud suspect.
Individuals involved in these incidents were among those recognized at the Delta Police Department’s annual awards ceremony last Thursday night.
The ceremony recognized 29 officers, police staff and members of the community.
“On a daily basis Delta police officers, staff, volunteers and citizens contribute hundreds of hours to public safety,” said Chief Neil Dubord. “This ceremony was about recognizing their exceptional accomplishments, and saying thank you.”
One example Dubord pointed out was last February when one of the department’s volunteers assisted officers with a woman in grave distress in Ladner, translating and helping ease her desperation.
“It is wonderful to be able to officially recognize Mr. Karn Shergill for his efforts,” said Dubord.
Other highlights included a presentation by St. John’s Ambulance to Sgt. Brian Hill, who was recognized for saving a woman’s life while on vacation in Oregon.
Another officer was recognized for helping to save a life in September 2016, when police attended to nine overdoses of fentanyl tainted drugs in South Delta. Const. John Smith determined there was one person who had likely consumed drugs, but wasn’t with his friends. His quick actions to locate the man and alert the fire department are credited for helping save his life.
The list of award recipients included:
Chief Constable Commendation (teen in crisis on Alex Fraser Bridge)
Const. Kevin Boyce
Const. Jason Martens
Const. Rob Kennett
Const. Gordy Gill
Deputy Chief Constable Commendation (Fentanyl overdose)
Const. John Smith
DPD soccer camp
Const. Aaron Hill
Project Starboard
Sgt. Jill Long
Sgt. Gwen Vaughan-Smith
Const. Martin Levangie
Const. Rob Semler
Const. Chris Ward
Const. Sean Cessford
Const. Scott Formby
Const. Ken Kirk
Const. Ryan Masales (Abbotsford Police Department)
Forcible confinement
Sgt. Ben Bruneau
Const. Vince Neudorf
Const. Mathew Taylor
Const. Nilo Diguangco
Const. Taylor Armstrong
Const. Harprit Hair
Const. Steve Bentley
Const. Kristine Pemberton
Inspector Commendation (fraud and elder abuse case)
Const. Dustin Classen
Tableau Development and Implementation
Candace Danielson
Jody Johnson
Volunteer of the Year Award (Tsawwassen CoPS Volunteer)
Joyce Marshall
Delta Police Outstanding Citizen Award (BC Ferries Chief Officer involvement with female in crisis)
Roy Hicks
Female in crisis at Ladner Waterfront
Karn Shergill
Patrol Officer of the Year
Const. Kathy Bauman
